Minister Fritz Committed to Keeping Youth Safe and Entertained this Summer

Media Statement by Albert Fritz, Minister of Social Development

10 December 2012 was the last day of the 16 Days of Activism campaign for no violence against women and children. It was also the first day of the youth holiday programme presented by the Western Cape Department of Social Development.

We are acutely aware that boredom often leads to anti-social behaviour like underage drinking, drug use, reckless sexual behaviour and gang-related activities.

This programme is geared toward creating safe spaces in which young people can engage in positive activities during the school holidays. We have partnered with several NGOs who will facilitate the programmes, incorporating sport, dance, music, drama, fitness, art, etc. We will identify and nurture their talents and link them with other programmes, where their skills can be further developed.

There are currently programmes in the following areas:

Cape Winelands/Overberg:
Hawston, Wolseley, Rawsonville, Worcester, De Doorns, Robertson

Metro North:
Atlantis, Cape Town, Belhar, Delft, Elsies River and Langa

Metro South:
Mitchell’s Plain, Gugulethu, Houtbay, Lavender Hill and Athlone

West Coast:
Porterville, Graafwater and surrounding farms

Eden/Karoo:
Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, George, Uniondale, Beaufort West, Oudtshoorn and Murraysburg

At the start of this financial year, I increased my budget for youth development, from R2.4 million in 2011 to R24 million this year. It is precisely so that we are able to really give execution to programmes that invest in our youth.

I don’t believe in once-off events. These programmes are the start of a journey that the Western Cape Government is taking with youth from all over the province.  We will continue to roll out opportunities for young people. They must get on board, and use these opportunities to get ahead. This is how we make their lives, better together.