Source: South Africa News Agency
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Deputy Minister Andries Nel has called on the youth to draw inspiration from the late struggle heroine, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.
Speaking at a Community Work Programme (CWP) graduation ceremony at North West University on Thursday, the Deputy Minister urged graduates to emulate Madikizela-Mandela, who passed away following a long illness on Monday.
“She remained throughout her life a tireless advocate for the dispossessed and the marginalised. She was a voice for the voiceless. Let us draw inspiration from the struggles that she fought and the dream of a better society to which she dedicated her life,” said the Deputy Minister, reiterating President Cyril Ramaphosa’s tribute to the stalwart.
He said while the country is in mourning, the graduation ceremony was held to celebrate the achievements of the youth of country, particular participants in the CWP.
“It is an honour to be part of this great occasion to celebrate and congratulate all the students for their hard work and perseverance, which has resulted in them being called graduates today. South Africa needs educated citizens to contribute to addressing the socio-economic challenges brought about by poverty, inequality and unemployment,” he said.
Deputy Minister Nel said graduates of the programme, who contribute to community development and improve the quality of life in poorer communities, give South Africa hope for the future.
The Deputy Minister said government is executing the mandate to deal decisively with poverty, unemployment and inequality by empowering and giving opportunities, especially to young people and women.
The Community Work Programme provides 303 820 participants with the opportunity to do socially useful work, as defined by the community, for two days a week, eight days a month and 100 days a year. This puts R2.3 billion into the pockets of participants.
CWP provides participants with opportunities while helping to make life better through community vegetable gardens, community parks, maintaining schools, making bricks, providing home based care, working at Early Childhood Development centres, recycling waste into arts and crafts and many other activities.
“We are happy that through a partnership with the University of North West, 16 of those participants successfully completed the three-year Grade R Diploma in record time and are graduating today,” said Deputy Minister Nel. – SAnews.gov.za