Issued by: Office of the Deputy President MR T Mbeki
The National Youth Commission (NYC), through its Education and Training Programme will host a First Satellite broadcast on 10 June at Johannesburg.
The National Youth Commission has realised that a large number of young people in prisons are between 17 and 21 years old, and a majority of them are without proper education.
Evidence shows that more than half of those that are released commit further crime as they have nothing to survive on.
Owing to that, the NYC decided to prioritise young prisoners in its development agenda.
In partnership with three prisons falling under the jurisdiction of the DCS, and with some assistance from British Council in South Africa, we initiated computer skills, entrepreneurship development and critical thinking (life skills) to 180 young prisoners who are imprisoned in Durban Westville (KwaZulu-Natal), Hawqua (Western Cape) and Thohoyandou (Northern Province) prisons.
The entrepreneurship development education will be provided to prisoners through a live satellite broadcast from a studio in Johannesburg.
A London School of Entrepreneurs has been contracted to provide entrepreneur education to the prisoners. Those who successfully complete the course and have shown commitment and potential will access a loan to set a small business upon release.
These will go a long way to empower the participating young offenders with skills and means to create their own employment opportunities.
On the 10th June 1999 there will be a first satellite broadcast from Johannesburg studio to the three prisons.
About forty dignitaries are expected to join us in the studio. This audience will comprise of senior government officials, youth leaders, former prisoners, sports personalities and non-governmental organisations.
Through the satellite the audience will discuss crime and other related issues with prisoners.
The National Youth Commission invites you to this memorable event for our young prisoners.
Details for the broadcast are as follows:
Date: 10 June 1999
Time: 11h30 for 11h45 (broadcast to begin at 12h00 and end at
14h00)
Venue: Broadcast House, 167-171 Fox Street, Johannesburg
RSVP: Thembinkosi Ngcobo
082 770 8754