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Youth facing economic hardship - Motlanthe

Cape Town - Young people are largely excluded from mainstream economic activity, while others also face income and employment inequalities.

This is according to a prepared speech by Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe at the 10th anniversary of Future Leaders.

"Young people constitute the most energetic and creative section of our society and have the potential to play a meaningful role in the reconstruction and development of our country."

He said the government recognises young people as dynamic agents of change, adding that it is society's duty to empower them.

"It is vital that young people organise themselves in order to share ideas and create formations that enable them to secure their participation in the socio-economic planning for their own future."

He said the government is at the ready to work with all youth formations by providing assistance, including entrepreneurships development programmes.

"We acknowledge that young people are largely excluded from mainstream economic activity and that some are further handicapped by historical inequalities in income, gender, sexual orientation, employment, education and poor health."

Motlanthe said in order to overcome these hurdles education is the key priority by the government.

He said measures have also been taken to help create decent employment opportunities and inclusive economic growth and building a skilled workforce to support an inclusive growth path.

Motlanthe praised the role that Future Leaders plays in youth development, adding that is shows that the youth are willingly working to improve their circumstances.

"Yours is indeed a crucial programme in both imprinting and handing down the correct set of beliefs and values so that young people may learn to stand on their own feet.

"In this regard, I think it is in order to call upon all South Africans, including corporate citizens, to make a contribution to this noble cause."

 - Fin24

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