Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS)
LAUNCH OF SOUTH AFRICA'S FIRST NATIONAL YOUTH INFORMATION SERVICE - South Africa's Youth Information Gateway -
"Access to information is a key component in addressing the needs of young women and men and their communities" Section 8.5.1, National Youth Policy.
Representatives of media are invited to join Deputy Minister Essop Pahad, the National Youth Commission, youth leaders and South Africa's leading telecommunications companies at a function - one day before National Youth Day - to officially launch the pilot operations of South Africa's first high-tech National Youth Information Service.
The function will be held at 10:00 am at the offices of Intekom. Midrand (map are available from Paul Johnson on 082 771 8465), Monday 15 June 1998, after which a pre-accredited group of journalists and cameramen will be taken into the heart of the project's call-centre to see the actual functioning of the Youth Line operating service. Here, Deputy Minister Pahad will kindly take the responsibility of responding to the first incoming calls from young people.
Incorporating a toll free National Youth Line 0800 service and an online information service, the YIS lays the basis for the most authoritative information bank and advisory service for youth in South Africa, The 0800 number and Internet web-site addressed will be released to the media for the first time today. The NYC has advised all youth organisations and groupings to follow the press for these details. We appeal to our local and national media to assist us in publicising this pioneering and important new service for the youth of South Africa.
To confirm attendance please contact NYC Acting CEO Paul Johnson on Cell / Voicemail 082 771 8465