Minister Radebe signed the (NYP2020) at a ceremony in Cape Town today.
“As the NYDA we view the signing of the new National Youth Policy 2020 as an important step in consolidating the gains we have made in the past 21 years of democracy, but importantly as a key milestone in taking forward the development of young people jointly with social partners," says NYDA Chairperson Yershen Pillay.
“We take this opportunity to extend our sincere gratitude to Minister Jeff Radebe and Deputy Minister Buti Manamela for providing direction and clarity of purpose in not only ensuring that we have a new, more relevant and comprehensive National Youth Policy but for also ensuring a swift and clinical consultative process.” The signing of the NYP 2020 coincided with International Youth Day celebrated globally on 12 August every year.
According to Pillay, “Today the world celebrates International Youth Day under the theme Youth Civic Engagement. The 12th of August every year is a date designated by the United Nations for creating awareness and dialogue around youth issues globally. And this year the focus is on promoting youth service as a strategy for youth development. Our message to youth on International Youth Day is ‘Learn to Serve and Serve to Learn’.
We believe that more young South Africans should dedicate more time to volunteer work and in so doing, they will be able to acquire valuable life skills, job skills and leadership skills. Youth service should become part of our culture as the youth movement both locally and globally.”
