By Baakedi Rachidi
In a vibrant and impactful gathering, staff members from Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) Waterberg District commemorated Youth Day on 11 June 2025 at Towoomba Research Station through a thoughtfully curated event focused on mental, spiritual, and physical well-being. The celebration was not only a tribute to the resilience and potential of South Africa's youth, but also an opportunity for empowerment and meaningful interaction.
The day began with an inspiring keynote address by Deputy Director, Mandisa Mawasha from Human Resource Development at Head Office. Her motivational talk set the tone for the event, centering around the National Youth Policy and it's four key pillars as follows:
The four-pillar framework aimed at tackling youth challenges:
- Skills development and capacity building – workshops preparing youth for tomorrow underway focusing on digital skills, youth entrepreneurship, coding, robotic, artisan training and agri-tech.
- Entrepreneurial support – channelling funds through NYDA, Limpopo Youth Fund to fund youth-related enterprises,
- Health and wellness – addressing substance abuse among young people, mental health, and teenage pregnancies,
- Dialogue and participation – encourage young people to actively participate in
programmes that help shape the policies.
Ms. Mawasha emphasised the importance of these pillars in shaping a capable and forward-looking youth population. She also mentioned a potential sixth pillar centered around the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) encouraging young people to become drivers of technological change across sectors. Highlighting the inclusive nature of the policy, she noted that it caters to both employed and unemployed youth, including those aspiring to pursue entrepreneurship. "Youth forums should not just be event- based", she urged. "They must create lasting impact both within the department and in the broader community." She further shared insights into youth representation within the department revealing that youth make up 16% of the total staff complement, with 11% female and 5% male representation. Breakdown across job levels included: Level 11-12: 24 youth, Level 9-10: 19 youth, Level 7-8: 56 youth, Level 4-5: 39 youth and Level 2-3: 30 youth including unemployed graduates.
Waterberg District ranks as the fourth largest in youth staff numbers, with a total of 52 youth employees. Ms. Mawasha addressed challenges faced by the youth, ranging from unemployment, school dropouts and teenage pregnancy to HIV infections, bullying and sexual harassment especially in the workplace. She called for greater youth involvement in departmental and societal development, affirming that young people are powerful agents of change socially, economically, and politically.
The emotional and spiritual aspect of youth well-being was addressed by Pastor Refilwe Ndhlovu who delivered a heartfelt message on mental wellness and spiritual fulfilment. Encouraging the audience to guard the heart, Pastor Ndhlovu buttressed that stress can affect one's health, relationships, and productivity. Speaking directly to the youth, she declared, "We are not the leaders of tomorrow, we are the leaders of today." Her words resonated deeply as she urged young people to embrace their identities, cultivate emotional resilience and form positive, healthy relationships. Her talk was a powerful call to live purposefully with intention and authenticity.
To promote physical wellness, the event also featured a range of health services courtesy of GEMS. Staff enjoyed relaxing massages and check-ups in areas including dentistry, podiatry, and otolaryngology. Adding an element of fun and physical movement, outdoor activities such as musical chairs and skipping rope encouraged fitness. The day proved to be a successful holistic wellness event that empowered youth to recognise their value, claim their voice and make impactful contributions in communities and workplaces.
Officials enjoyed relaxing massages.
