By Teboho Moloi
QWAQWA – Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality Executive Mayor Connie Msibi has urged young people to approach her office with business ideas and development proposals, saying the municipality is ready to support initiatives aimed at improving lives and creating opportunities.
Speaking during the District Youth Leadership Summit held at the council chambers on Wednesday, Msibi told more than 60 young people that her office doors remain open to youth seeking guidance, support and information to help turn their dreams into reality.
The summit, organised by the mayor’s office in partnership with Youth in Action, was held a day after the release of the country’s 32 percent youth unemployment rate, placing renewed focus on the economic struggles facing young people.
Msibi said the summit forms part of the municipality’s long-term vision to engage youth and harness innovative ideas that could help address social and economic challenges confronting communities.
She described the gathering as a platform for young people to share ideas, explore implementation strategies and build networks that can drive development.
“Some young people are sitting with good ideas but do not know where to take them. I am saying my office doors are open. Bring your proposals and initiatives because we want to help create opportunities,” said Msibi.
She encouraged the youth not to allow difficult circumstances to define their future, adding that investment in young people was critical for community growth, economic development and social transformation.
“The summit provides an important platform for young people to be empowered, equipped and inspired to become active participants in economic development. Sustainable development cannot happen without investing in young people,” she said.
Msibi acknowledged that unemployment, poverty and limited access to opportunities remain major challenges, saying government institutions have a responsibility to unlock youth potential, support innovation and encourage entrepreneurship.
She also warned young entrepreneurs against financial mismanagement, urging them to practise discipline and good governance when handling funds allocated to their businesses.
“Your voice matters, your ideas matter and your contribution matters. Young people must begin to see creativity not only as talent, but also as a business and economic opportunity,” she said.
District Youth Development Officer Mpiyakhe Tshabalala said the summit forms part of ongoing youth development programmes implemented by the district despite budget constraints.
Tshabalala said limited funding continues to affect the municipality’s ability to roll out more youth-focused initiatives, forcing the district to collaborate with local municipalities and the Premier’s Office to support programmes targeting young people.
