GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - In an inspiring initiative to bring global conversations closer to the people, the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) hosted a G20 Thought Leadership Dialogue aimed at engaging the youth of Graaff-Reinet on key development issues.
The event, which took place at the Alex Laing Hall on 31 July, sought to demystify the G20 and relate its global themes to local realities, ensuring that young people understand the opportunities available to them both locally and internationally.
Chris Engelbrecht, programme and training manager at the Department of Social Development, expressed her pleasure with the large attendance, saying it was a clear sign of the youths' dedication to driving meaningful change in their own lives and communities.
“Inspired by Mandela’s legacy, the youths of Graaff-Reinet are stepping up, speaking out, and shaping the future,” she said, referring to the fact that the event came at the end of Mandela Month in South Africa.
GCIS, whose core mandate is to empower citizens through access to information, organised this dialogue as part of its broader effort to expose the youth to a wide array of developmental and educational opportunities.
The session was designed to create awareness and dialogue among young people, particularly those in rural and historically underserved areas such as the Sarah Baartman District.
Among the key stakeholders in attendance were Fort Cox Agriculture and Forestry Training Institute, Eastcape Midlands TVET College, AgriSETA, the Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency, and the Eastern Cape Development Corporation.
The institutions highlighted their course offerings in their respective fields, encouraged learners to explore all the options and informed them of the grants and support systems available to them.
The session concluded with a heartfelt message of appreciation from local youth participant Herschelle Minnies, who thanked GCIS for bringing the valuable, informative session to the community.
He expressed hope that such engagements would continue, empowering more young people with the knowledge and resources needed to build a better future.
Councillor Xolile Galada, representative for Ward 4, was the programme director for the session.
Galada pleaded with the stakeholders to come back to the area on 31 October for an impact assessment engagement.
‘Ons bring jou die nuutste Tuinroete, Hessequa, Karoo nuus’
