Simphiwe Gwija, VoicesofAfrica mobile reporter in Johannesburg, South Africa
If your actions inspire others to dream more learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader; this was said by John Quincy Adams. I visited a radio deejay Abie mchunu and a journalist Elphus Nkosi.
Struggling to find your identity can be one of the major issue in the community, as it leads to low self-esteem, Having Abie on radio who strive to redevelop the youth with his job by doing motivational talks at school, as its one of the adored jobs in south Africa.
Lack of visibility in structure that assist the youth, has increase the number of youth who roam around without a purpose, speaking to Elphas the journalist says, most of the youth are influence by the media, the more the have motivational programmes on TV and on radio the impact will be positive as they look up to this celebrities, print media should emphasis on positive writing.
Peer pressure has dominate our community youth choosing wrong career path, thanks to National Youth Development Agency(NYDA) formally known as Umsobomvu CEO, Malose Kekana, says, 'The report is important to youth empowerment and transformation. It is relevant to decision makers including, civil society, government, private sector and youth development practitioners working on the youth development sector.'
The report findings are that unemployment is arguably South Africa's major scourge with black youth being the most affected. Government's plan to halve unemployment by 2014 talks to this problems and the recommendation by the report to focus strongly on young people, as they represent 70% of the unemployed population.
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On education and skills development, the report states that the country inherited education and training systems skewed by racial inequality. It acknowledges that every effort must be made to retain young people in schools, where good education is offered and efforts are being made to dissuade them from dropping out before completing their secondary school. 'Quality education should reflect contemporary requirements in the world of work. This includes a holistic approach to education that includes technical skills, life skills and preparation for work.'
The report recommends that opportunities should be made available for young people to affirm their worth and draw on the resources of the cultures with which they identify. Believing in yourself and striving to be the best will always bring the good rewards.