Th achievements of 130 young people from schools, correctional centres,
residential youth facilities and community youth groups have been recognized
for their work in youth leadership and development.

In the wake of heritage day Brand South Africa have sponsored five young
people to attend the 2013 One Young World Summit. This initiative is
expected to develop young leaders that will play a positive role in the country.

Minister Blade Nzimande will launch a trust fund aimed at empowering the youth of
Mhlontlo Municipality, who will in turn plough back their skills into their communities
and create an inclusive growth path.

Budding entrepreneurs will receive the opportunity to gain a thorough understanding
of entrepreneurship and personal leadership if they are chosen to participate in the
FIELD Entrepreneurial Development Programme.

The Executive Mayor of Tshwane, Kgosientso Ramokgopa, has unveiled a multimillion
rand youth skills development and entrepreneurship programme targeting 10 000
young people in the City of Tshwane.

Research shows that young people are three times more likely to be unemployed. The
African Economic Outlook 2012 report concurs that youth unemployment figures will
increase unless Africa moves swiftly to make youth employment a priority.

Youth have been urged to use their academic qualifications for the betterment of
society as a whole and not just for their personal gain. Recently deceased Professor
Ismail Mohamed was heralded for his efforts in demonstrating this principle during his
life time.

Designed to bridge the gap between high school and university, and to create a
pipeline of talented professionals, a new youth development programme has been
launched by BP.

June is observed as Youth Month in South Africa as an ode to the youth of 1976, who
led a series of protests seeking better education for African youth. Young people have
been urged to imitate the courage and perseverance of these role models.

Oganisations in both public and private sectors need to develop strategic pillars that
will contribute to economically empowering the youth if South Africa hopes to
overcome unemployment which is estimated to reach 15.1 million in 2021.

About 1 000 young people are expected to benefit from the Youth Jobs in Waste
Programme, which aims to address the backlog in solid waste service delivery in all
municipalities in the country.

A new youth group is being set up by The Presidency that will enable young people to
provide strategic advice to the executive on how to implement youth development
interventions in the country.

More than 12 000 young people have been incorporated into the National Rural Youth
Service Corps. The training programme is part of government's solution to job creation
and skills development.

June is declared as Youth Month in South Africa and government, together with
the NYDA, has announced a series of youth-focused activities to commemorate the
month.

Government and other youth role players aim to create awareness surrounding the
challenges of substance abuse and lack of skills facing the youth of the country.
These topics amongst other pressing youth-related issues will be addressed
throughout youth month.

The National Youth Development Agency has stated that it remains a critical vehicle for youth development in South Africa. The NYDA was established in June 2009 after President Jacob Zuma approved the merger between Umsobomvu Youth Fund and the National Youth Commission.

Government's latest job creation initiative which aims to provide employment
opportunities for young people may not succeed if it doesn't receive adequate support
from both private and public sector employers.

Job creation has been recognised as the most obvious yet challenging solution to
current youth unemployment crisis. A new private-public partnership will be launched
in Benoni to assist small businesses with the hope of boost employment opportunities.

Improving the education and skill levels of young people with the aim of helping them
find employment and start their open businesses is the central aim of the new youth
employment accord.

President Jacob Zuma has appointed new members to the National Youth Development Agency Board. Zuma appointed the members in terms of section 9 (2) of the National Youth Development Agency Act, 2008.

President Jacob Zuma says investing in the country?s youth and paying particular attention to their skills development is one way of helping the country stay on course to achieving economic growth in the future.

The Presidency for Performance Monitoring and Evaluation said that SA is committed to policies that strengthen the professionalism of youth work. These policies would look to ensure the youth were guided by skilled and competent individuals.

The National Youth Development Agency says it is all systems go for this year?s South African Youth Awards. The awards showcase the exceptional work and contribution of young South Africans between the ages of 14 to 35 years.