By Staff Reporter
QWAQWA – A youth leader from the South African Arts and Culture Youth forum (SAACYF), Lekgutsa Mbele, wowed young people with a captivating Youth Day performance and had the Agape hall in an uproar as he encouraged them to tap into opportunities available to them.
Mbele described the day as one set aside to celebrate the strides made by the youth of 1976. The celebration was hosted by Agape Foundation for Community Development in collaboration with government communications and the University of the Free State.
“It is very important for the youth to create their own employment and focus on their talents. There are a lot of bursaries in the arts and culture sector and if anyone needs assistance with such, I am willing to lend a helping hand,” Mbele said.
The visibly impressed audience said they had learned a lot from the event and would take advantage of the opportunities shared with them.
Local learner Rorisang Moloi of Mohaladitwe Secondary school had this to say when addressing her peers who had attended the event:
“Having been raised in a Christian family, I was taught that I am unique, and that I was born with a purpose. Growing up in a family that did community development and hosted many events, I got to find out that I have a talent for public speaking and the performing arts; and I am going to make sure that I further my studies to improve my talents.”
Higher education institutions Maluti TVET College, UFS and Golden Gate South African National Park (SANPARKS) encouraged the youth to invest in education.
According to Pulane Motsitsi from the government communications service, there are different opportunities that the youth of today can access from various government departments.
“Golden Gate is a living textbook so it is important for young people to go there to learn more about conservation and soon the park will be offering bursaries to learners,” Thulani Mdlalose said.
