President Jacob Zuma paraded young achievers in their careers as examples of how it is possible for anyone to be successful under the ANC-led government.
Zuma's special guests during his address on Youth Day yesterday in Pretoria included medical doctor Sandile Kubheka, who completed his medical degree at the University of KwaZulu-Natal at the age of 20.
They were joined by 25-year-old rocket scientist Siyabulela Xuza from M thatha in the Eastern Cape.
Xuza has a mini-planet named after him because of his achievements after studying energy engineering at Harvard University.
The other achievers included Grade 12 pupil, Marcelle Nienaber, 18, who obtained her pilot's licence at the age of 16, a scientist who developed the world's first functional digital laser, Dr Sandile Ngcobo, and skydiver in the SANDF, Corporal Dakalo Mavhungu, 22, from Tshakuma village in Venda, Limpopo.
"We congratulate these young achievers. Our message to our youth is that it is possible to make a success of your life in your country," Zuma said.
He said he wanted more universities built and Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande was drawing up a plan on how many more were needed for the growing youth population.
"I'm not satisfied. I know we don't have money, but I want a total plan that says in terms of the total population, we need so many new universities.
". even if it takes us 10 years or more. That must influence the budget. Budgeting for education is very important."
Zuma assured thousands of young people that his government had made it a priority to deal with youth unemployment.
He also urged young people to develop themselves like he did.
"I never went to school and there is no teacher that can ever claim to have seen this forehead of mine but I took a resolution to educate myself and I succeeded," he said.
Zuma sells youth a good story of achievement
President Jacob Zuma paraded young achievers in their careers as examples of how it is possible for anyone to be successful under the ANC-led government.
Zuma's special guests during his address on Youth Day yesterday in Pretoria included medical doctor Sandile Kubheka, who completed his medical degree at the University of KwaZulu-Natal at the age of 20.
They were joined by 25-year-old rocket scientist Siyabulela Xuza from M thatha in the Eastern Cape.
Xuza has a mini-planet named after him because of his achievements after studying energy engineering at Harvard University.
The other achievers included Grade 12 pupil, Marcelle Nienaber, 18, who obtained her pilot's licence at the age of 16, a scientist who developed the world's first functional digital laser, Dr Sandile Ngcobo, and skydiver in the SANDF, Corporal Dakalo Mavhungu, 22, from Tshakuma village in Venda, Limpopo.
"We congratulate these young achievers. Our message to our youth is that it is possible to make a success of your life in your country," Zuma said.
He said he wanted more universities built and Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande was drawing up a plan on how many more were needed for the growing youth population.
"I'm not satisfied. I know we don't have money, but I want a total plan that says in terms of the total population, we need so many new universities.
". even if it takes us 10 years or more. That must influence the budget. Budgeting for education is very important."
Zuma assured thousands of young people that his government had made it a priority to deal with youth unemployment.
He also urged young people to develop themselves like he did.
"I never went to school and there is no teacher that can ever claim to have seen this forehead of mine but I took a resolution to educate myself and I succeeded," he said.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos