By Maphuti Machabaphala & Jimmy Gcina
Capricorn District: The Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) was among participants who engaged and shared information through exhibition stall at the launch of the provincial government youth month commemoration event at Hwiti Secondary School, Mankweng.
Among the information shared varied from various departmental programs such as scarce skills identification, the provinces agricultural colleges enrolment processes and various career paths that the learners can embark on upon completing their matric. The engagement further meant to change learners’ perception in agriculture with an attempt to woo their participation in agriculture for the benefit of securing more food security.
In this age of technology, new farming and smart agricultural practices need more youth participation to respond to climate changes, which are major challenges to agricultural space.
On behalf of the Premier, during the launch, MEC for Social Development, Florence Radzilani delivered the keynote address to the learners and youth. She highlighted that youth development should be at the core of governments priorities, which will address the high youth unemployment rate which currently sits at 62.4%, limited access to finance and modern technologies. Additionally, work towards poverty eradication in the rural and disadvantages communities of the people of Limpopo and South Africa at large. She added that by supporting young entrepreneurs through mentoring, compliance support, internships and capacity building, these efforts will in turn see a regress in the unemployment rate, Gender Based Violence and Mental Health challenges the youth are currently battling with.
In conclusion, Radzilani encouraged the youth of today to be responsible in their life choices, share opportunities, build one another and to be present not only on social media but in their community initiatives, while making a clarion call to the Government to work towards shaping an empowered and fulfilled youth.
This year Youth Month theme is, “Gear Up For Greatness”. This seeks to empower and equip the youth of Limpopo to become active contributors to society and the local economy.
