That “knowledge is power” was highlighted this week as Metsimaholo Local Municipality hosted a two-day Youth Summit at Refengkgotso Community Hall in Deneysville.
Organised by the Office of the Executive Mayor, Jeff Zwane, the purpose of the summit was to open networking channels for youth that aspire to start their own businesses or platforms that can create income as well as improving their lives.
The summit was themed “Social entrepreneurship as a tool to decrease youth unemployment and create better communities”.
Member of Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Special Programs, Ruanda Meyer, warmed up the summit and welcomed the guest, presenters and stakeholders.
In providing message of support Member of Mayoral Committee for Spatial Planning and Human Settlement, Thulani Mbana, stressed the importance of youth participation in growing the economy.
Also present at the summit to share information and empower the youth on various topics ranging from entrepreneurship to public sector programmes were officials from SEDA, Department of Agriculture, Department of Social Service, DESTEA, MYB Consulting and Youth Matters.
Addressing the summit Executive Mayor Zwane encouraged the participants to grab and make use of opportunities provided to them. He reminded the youth of the importance of being an active community member that can positively contribute to society.
“The Municipality is mindful of the challenges that the youth of today are facing, hence the activation of the summit in order empower them with the necessary skills and information,” said Zwane.
MYB Consulting offered youth with an opportunity of a 12-week short course that will assist those that are interested in starting a business.
The Department of Agriculture committed to mentor young people that are interested in food plantation. They will provide them with fertilizers and seeds.
The Office of the Mayor said that it has an assigned youth officer to offer advice on matters affecting the youth.
