29 May 2000
Unveiling the Eastern Cape Youth Commission's programme to mark this year's National Youth Day - June 16 - at the Legislature in Bisho this morning, the commission's chairperson Mr. Tembekile Macelesi said this month has been set aside to encourage the youth in the fight against HIV/AIDS in the African century.
The Commission will attempt to educate the youth about the dangers of this killer disease. The programme begins on June 1 when hundreds of children will take to the streets of Grahamstown, marching to the Supreme Court to protest against children abuse - to mark the International Children's Day. A memorandum will be handed over to the Registry of the Court.
Among the marchers will be Provincial MEC for Welfare, Miss Ncumisa Kondlo, Human Rights Commissioner, Charlotte Mac Clian.
The Youth Commission has also organised a seminar on Youth and HIV/ AIDS, which will take place on 7 June in New Brighton, Port Elizabeth. Health experts have been invited to discuss with young people about the epidemic and to advise them on how it can be avoided.
Macelesi encouraged young people to adopt a community awareness programme and to act as foot soldiers to send a message about lifestyles of proper acceptable behaviour among the youth.
Youth across the spectrum throughout the Eastern Cape will converge at the Legislature on June 9 to take part in the youth parliament when the commission gives an account of its work to the Legislature. They will also discuss the end-of-term report of the commission as its term comes to an end soon. This gathering is expected to be addressed by the Deputy Speaker, Mrs Mandisa Marasha and Premier Makhenkesi Stofile.
Then the big one, the National Youth Day Celebrations, will be on June 16 and will be marked by a march to the Indoor Sports Centre in Grahamstown as well as a rally to be addressed by the National Minister of Safety and Security, Mr. Steve Tshwete and Premier Stofile. Young people have been invited to take part in a march against HIV/AIDS, which is aimed at improving awareness among communities.
Other events during this period will be a public lecture on African Renaissance, a campaign to encourage youth to apply for ID and a number of sporting activities. Macelesi concluded by urging the youth sector to join hands to encourage unity and co-operation, and to establish "strong youth civil society base" to deal with youth development and empowerment vigorously.
"By doing so, we will be asserting the crucial role of the youth in the present phase of our democracy and partly addressing the enormous diverse problems facing the youth by involving ourselves in development initiatives taking place in the country."
Inquiries:
Chairperson of the Youth Commission
Thembekile Macelesi, 082-7757748 / 043-6433779 OR
Manelisi Wolela - 082-4147768 / 040-6392070
Issued: Eastern Cape Youth Commission - Office of the Premier