The Deputy Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Rejoice Mabudafhasi, is set to launch the Youth Environmental Service (YES) Programme at Mehlareng Stadium in Tembisa on Friday, 20th September 2013.
According to the Department of Environmental Affairs, the youth in South Africa account for the greatest number in the national population, but face a challenge in that many lack the prerequisite skills to fully contribute to the economic growth and development of the country. “In an effort to help address this challenge, the Department of Environmental Affairs, through its Environmental Protection and Infrastructure Projects, initiated three national Youth Service Pilot Programmes, which were implemented from 2008 to 2011. The National Youth Service pilot programmes were evaluated. Based on the success and the evaluation thereof the department established the Youth Environmental Service (YES) programme.” It aims at strengthening the capabilities of young people to reach their potential through skills and personal development.
The YES Programme is being implemented across all nine provinces. Each province will take in 100 youth per year, over a period of three years. The youth will be assisting with a range of environmental activities such as waste management, biodiversity management, removal of alien vegetation, forest restoration and environmental education in communities and schools such as Mvelaphanda in Tembisa. While providing these services, the youthreceive accredited training for their personal development to assist them to get better opportunities at the end of the year-long project.
The Deputy Minister will be joined by the Premier of Gauteng, Ms Nomvula Mokonyane, and the Executive Mayor of Ekurhuleni Councillor, Mr Mondli Gungubele.
