Remarks by Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, during the Youth Services Expo, Kuruman, Northern Cape

Programme Director, Mr Charles Moeti,
Executive Mayor of the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality, Cllr Queen Mogatle-Thoane,
Speaker of Council, Cllr Keamogetse Madikiza,
Chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency, Bonga Makhanya,
Representatives from Government departments and agencies,
Our partners from the private sector, including the mining houses and community development trusts,
Leaders from SETAs, TVET colleges, and civil society,
Distinguished guests,
And most importantly, the young people of Kuruman,

Good morning.

It is both a privilege and a responsibility to stand before you today as part of this Youth Services Outreach Programme here in Kuruman. This gathering is not simply another event on a calendar. It is a deliberate and practical effort to bring government and its partners closer to the people, particularly to young people who are the future of this country.

Too often, opportunities exist, but they remain out of reach. Too often, information is available, but it does not reach those who need it most. And too often, young people in communities such as Kuruman are expected to navigate complex systems without the necessary support. Today, we are saying that this must change.

This outreach programme is about closing that gap. It is about ensuring that services, opportunities, and support are not distant concepts, but accessible realities. It is about meeting young people where they are and walking with them towards where they want to be.

I want to acknowledge the wide range of stakeholders who have come together to make this programme possible. From the National Youth Development Agency, the Department of Employment and Labour, and the South African Police Service, to our SETAs, TVET colleges, and development partners your presence here today demonstrates a shared commitment to youth development.

We also recognise the important role played by the mining sector and community development trusts in this region. Your participation reflects an understanding that economic activity must translate into meaningful opportunities for local communities, particularly for young people.

As Government, we are clear that youth development is not optional it is central to the future of our country. We cannot speak about economic growth, social stability, or inclusive development without addressing the challenges faced by young people. High levels of youth unemployment, limited access to skills development, and barriers to entry into the economy remain among the most pressing issues we must confront.

But we are equally clear that the solutions lie in partnership.

Government alone cannot solve these challenges. It requires collaboration between the public sector, private sector, educational institutions, and communities themselves. It requires alignment between skills development and the needs of the economy. It requires investment not only in infrastructure, but in people.

That is why platforms such as this one are so important. They create a space where young people can access information about employment opportunities, skills training, entrepreneurship support, and essential services all in one place.

To the young people gathered here today, I want to speak directly to you.

This programme is for you. The opportunities that are being presented here are for you. But opportunity alone is not enough. It must be met with action.

I encourage you to engage fully with every organisation present here today. Ask questions. Seek clarity. Register for programmes. Follow up. Take initiative. The journey to success is rarely easy, but it is always possible when you are informed, prepared, and determined.

At the same time, I want to emphasise the importance of active citizenship. The presentation by the Independent Electoral Commission reminds us that participation in our democracy is not separate from development  it is part of it. Your voice matters, and your participation shapes the future of this country.

To our stakeholders and partners, I want to extend both appreciation and a call to action.

Your involvement today is commendable, but it must not end here. We must continue to strengthen collaboration, improve coordination, and ensure that the impact of our work is felt beyond events such as this. We must ask ourselves not only what we are doing, but whether it is reaching those who need it most, and whether it is changing lives in a meaningful way.

As the Presidency, we remain committed to supporting initiatives that bring services closer to communities, that empower young people, and that build pathways to opportunity. We are committed to ensuring that no young person is left behind, regardless of where they come from.

In closing, let me thank the organisers, partners, and all stakeholders who have contributed to making this programme a reality. Most importantly, I thank the young people of Kuruman for your presence, your energy, and your willingness to engage.

I look forward to interacting with you further during the walkabout and hearing directly from you about your aspirations, your challenges, and your ideas for the future.

Let us work together government, business, and communities  to ensure that every young person in Kuruman has the opportunity not only to dream, but to achieve.

I thank you.