The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) has kicked off a two-
day youth engagement program at the KaMaqhekeza township in the Nkomazi Local
Municipality, in Mpumalanga.

The program, which will take place on Thursday and Friday, got underway this morning
at the Ehlanzeni TVET College with a seminar under the auspices of “Vuk Talks,” a
supplement to the Vukuzenzele newspaper.

Students will interact with professionals and working craftsmen during this session,
which has the theme of “A Decade of the Artisan,” and they will learn about economic
and entrepreneurial potential as well as funding sources available in many industries,
including the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).

The event takes place at an opportune time, a few days before the 2023 Youth Month,
said Michael Currin, GCIS Acting Director-General.

“Government understands the challenges faced by the youth. We are listening and
employing all possible means to ensure that even in the face of the shrinking job
market, young people are empowered to do something to support themselves and their
families.
“We aim to build a network of young people who are driving change in their
communities,” he said.

On Friday, there will be a Government Exhibition Day to round up the program, where
more than 20 government departments and organizations will display their goods and
services.

Additionally, they will make it simple for individuals to access government resources and
services that will enhance their quality of life.
Home Affairs, the Unemployment Insurance Fund, the South African Social Security
Agency, Health, the National Youth Development Agency, Legal Aid South Africa,
Human Settlements, and Retail Savings Bonds are just a few of the organizations that
provide services.

To guarantee that residents have seamless access to government information and
services, the GCIS organizes these exhibitions quarterly, spanning several provinces.

“Like many communities in South Africa, Ka Maqhekeza has a high youth
unemployment rate, and as we approach Youth Month, we want to ensure that we leave
no one behind and that information and services reach the people where they are.
“Therefore, we call upon young people at Ka Maqhekeza and surrounding areas to
embrace this opportunity,” Acting DG Currin said.