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Youth service programme will kick off with a song

TRYING HARD Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka. 06/06/07. SHARING A WORD: Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka at at a consultative workshop on women's economic empowerment in Pretoria. Mlambo-Ngcuka is alleged to have used R400 000 in taxpayers' money for a holiday to the United Arab Emirates. Pic: Tyrone Arthur. 2/1/06. © Business Day.
TRYING HARD Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka. 06/06/07. SHARING A WORD: Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka at at a consultative workshop on women's economic empowerment in Pretoria. Mlambo-Ngcuka is alleged to have used R400 000 in taxpayers' money for a holiday to the United Arab Emirates. Pic: Tyrone Arthur. 2/1/06. © Business Day.

Michael Tlhakudi

Michael Tlhakudi

Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Nqcuka will be the keynote speaker when the National Youth Service (NYS) programme is launched at Botshabelo Stadium, in Bloemfontein, on Saturday.

More than 500 youths in Free State will receive an economic boost through the programme, which is the brainchild of the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport.

The programme is intended to be transformative and to involve young people in activities that benefit the community and develop young people through services and learning.

The implementation of the National Youth Service programme, through public works and roads projects involving construction and maintenance, will address the plight of the young.

"Our youth are a valued possession of the nation and our government must do all it can to ensure their all-round engagement and development as our catalyst for the future," said Gunnet Kaaf, head of communications in the department.

Seiso Mohai, the MEC for public works, roads and transport in Free State, was ecstatic about the launch of the program.

"We have already elaborated a business plan, the implementation of which will cover 500 young men and women in the province who will participate in the NYS programme in areas that will enhance service delivery. These areas include road services, traffic management, security support and grading operations," said Mohai.

The Expanded Public Works Programme has created more than 4000 jobs and young people have been the main beneficiaries of the new work opportunities.

Artists, including Mafikizolo, Malaika, Masheleng, Alay Yen and Nateaze, will entertain at the launch.

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