March 24, 2004
By Bontle Moeng and Lucky Sindane
THE newly appointed Gauteng Commission on Youth Development was introduced during a youth music festival at the Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown on Monday.
New group Malaika entertaining the crowd
Thousands of revellers, celebrating Human Rights Day, cheered the announcement by Gauteng premier Mbhazima Shilowa that the commission's role would be to advise the provincial government on youth development matters like job creation, teenage pregnancy, HIV/Aids, crime prevention and life skills.
"We have introduced a number of programmes aimed at developing the youth. We regard the development of our young people as an important part of our vision of transforming Gauteng into a globally competitive smart centre, that will play a leading role in technological development and innovation," Shilowa said. "Education and training is vital in providing people with the means to pursue productive active lives."
Said head of the National Youth Commission, Jabu Mbalula: "We want to say the younger generation have always been able to define their own mission and agenda of development in our country and the youth of today are no exception."
The agenda of the youth commission was to help the youth get opportunities to participate in the economic growth of the country, he added.
The 14 members of the commission are: Moope Pasha, Nonkululeko Mohomane, Neil Diamond, David Vusumuzi Majoka, Ingrid Shirley, Tebogo Kgobokoe, Sean Renecke, Philllip Maibi, Sibongile Radebe, Mpho Moletsane, Paul Ranamane, Muhammad Yousuf Cajee, Pule Mabe and Masakwane Millicent Maroga.
"I am satisfied that collectively they represent youth from all walks of life in Gauteng from all districts and sectors," said Shilowa.
Meanwhile, heavy rains could not stop the crowd from all over Gauteng - Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg, Tshwane, Metsweding, Sedibeng and western Gauteng - from dancing through the day.
Thousands gathered to party to the music of South Africa's kwaito and hip hop stars. Malaika, Mdu Masilela, Arthur Mafokate, Kabelo, Mzekezeke, Msawawa, Adilah, Sello "Chicco" Twala, Chippa, Solly Moholo, Ihash' elimhlophe, Amaponi, and Pitch Black Afro all kept the party going.
Gauteng youth radio station Y-fm broadcast the music fesitval live.
A disaster was averted, when a security fence fell over as people began to push and shove, eager to get into the venue. A child was slightly injured and police officers and emergency services personnel took action to control the crowd. The South African Police Services, the Metro Police, security guards and the City's Emergency Management Service all helped diffuse the situation.
For more information on the Gauteng Commission on Youth Development contact the premier's office on 011 355 6036
Mzekezeke and Brenda Fassie perfoming backstage
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