Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Planning‚ Monitoring and Evaluation‚ Youth Development and Administration‚ Buti Manamela‚ has expanded the Task Team of the National Youth Service Programme (NYSP).

The expanded Task Team is comprised of members of civil society organisations‚ youth formations‚ business organisations‚ national government departments as well as labour organisations. Chaired by Mr Goitse Konopi from the National Planning Commission Secretariat‚ the team will drive the process of developing a National Youth Service Coordination and Expansion Framework.

A National Youth Service Programme (NYSP) was one of the key interventions stipulated by the National Youth Policy 2015 -2020‚ Manamela said on Wednesday.

He said the coordination and expansion of the National Youth Service Programme was aimed at producing responsible disciplined youth who were trained to volunteer their services and skills and serve communities. This would be achieved through leveraging of resources and capacity of all government departments and entities.

The NYSP would also ensure that young people played a significant and meaningful role within their communities. Furthermore it would be a vehicle for access to the opportunities that young people required to make a healthy transition into adulthood.

The Task Team would also conduct study tours on various successful models around the world including the United States‚ Cuba‚ Kenya and Namibia among other countries.

“We are proud to announce the expanded Task Team National Youth Service Coordination and Expansion Framework. Their work will be to produce a programme that will result in young people who are equipped with leadership skills‚ embark on civil duties and responsibilities and can contribute to nation building and social cohesion. We therefore wish the team well in their work‚” said Manamela.

The draft NYSP Framework would be opened for public consultation for all South Africans to make submissions. The NYSP Framework would then be submitted to Cabinet for approval and would serve as the basis for the implementation of National Youth Service Programmes in South Africa.

The rollout of the coordinated and expanded National Youth Service Programme is expected to commence in 2016‚ Manamela said.