Minister Fritz launches safety outreach for Mitchells Plain youth

Last night, the Minister of Community Safety, Albert Fritz, opened the three-day ‘Leadership and Opportunities Youth Outreach Programme’ for 100 matriculants from Mitchells Plain who completed their studies in 2019.

Minister Fritz was joined by Premier Alan Winde and Member of the Provincial Legislature, Ricardo MacKenzie, where a robust conversation was had with the matriculants on entrepreneurship, vision and opportunities for young people.

Minister Fritz said, “The purpose of the programme is to promote safety excellence by raising awareness of young people’s safety concerns and helping them to develop the necessary leadership to play an active role in overcoming the adversity they face. This Outreach is aligned to the Western Cape Safety Plan’s violence prevention initiatives.”

“The key message is that safety is everyone’s responsibility and that an alternative to crime and violence is access to opportunities. The Youth Outreach programme aims to provide support, inspiration and encouragement to participants to pursue opportunities in further education, skills development and work,” said Minister Fritz.

Minister Fritz added, “The programme targets those who matriculated in 2019 and who are not in employment, education or training (NEETS). The 3-day programme commencing on Monday, 24 February 2020 and will conclude on Wednesday, 26 February 2020. It will be hosted at the Oppiesee Cultural Centre in Melkbosstrand and will include sessions on personal branding, an entrepreneurial mind-set, safety awareness, information on the Chrysalis Academy and much more.”

Premier Winde said, "More than anything, the youth of South Africa are hungry for opportunities. This programme gives young people who most need it, the tools and encouragement to create and pursue opportunities that will improve their lives, in a safe space. As the Western Cape Government, we want to work with young people so that they can grow into successful adults, who are able to contribute towards a safer society in the future."

Attention broadcasters, please see English audio link here: https://clyp.it/lkogb4ds