Youth Day: Creating opportunities for young people to thrive in healthcare
Today, as South Africa celebrates Youth Day, we honour the courage and energy of our young people. In the Western Cape, we recognise that government should create an environment where young people can access opportunities, thrive and live lives that they value. One of the most powerful ways this can be achieved is through educational institutions like the Western Cape Government College of Emergency Care (WCG CEC).
Emergency medicine is one area where young people are finding meaning and purpose. As one of the Western Cape Government’s outcome areas, we are working towards youth that are resilient, actively engaged in civic activities, and meaningfully participate in their learning, training opportunities and the economy.
Since its launch in 2010, the Western Cape’s Emergency First Aid Responder (EFAR) Programme has trained over 19,000 volunteers—many of them young people—in basic emergency care. This two-day certified course equips community members with lifesaving skills: performing CPR, stabilising patients, and managing bleeding—often before Emergency Medical Services (EMS) can arrive. Conducted at more than 150 sites across the Western Cape, this programme empowers communities and has sparked a passion for healthcare in hundreds of young people, some of whom have gone on to pursue formal qualifications and careers in emergency medicine.
Many are supported by bursaries from the provincial Department of Health and Wellness. In 2023, 35 bursaries were awarded; in 2024, this increased to 40 bursaries. This year, 76 students have received bursary support.
The bursary programme includes studying towards Higher Certificates and Diplomas in Emergency Medical Care, and others even pursuing Bachelor’s Degrees in Emergency Care. Today, at least 32 former EFARs are now part of the provincial EMS workforce or completing internships, serving in the very communities where their journey began.
Beyond the classroom, students are immersed in real-world emergency care through Work Integrated Learning (WIL) - including hospital rotations, trauma response, and rescue operations using tools like the Jaws of Life. It’s more than just training; it’s the start of a purpose-driven career. No economy can thrive without healthy people. Quality healthcare underpins our government’s commitment to growth, jobs, and dignity for every resident.
From the first responder on the ground to the fully qualified emergency care professional, the Western Cape Government is building a path for young people to follow their passion, develop their skills, and serve their communities.
Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness, Mireille Wenger, said, “I am inspired by the commitment, talent, and determination of our youth. I am proud of the health professionals, trainers, and community partners who help light the way. Most of all, I am reminded that when we invest in opportunity—especially for our young people—we are investing in a healthier, stronger, and more hopeful South Africa with a thriving economy.”