Youth Development activities are currently coordinated in partnership with Internal and External Stakeholders. Establishment with the local groups and gaining grass-root partnership and support is the focus of the office. However primarily, the office’s main objective is to basically research and develop programs that benefit young people in eMalahleni. Operationally, the Youth Development Manager administers these programs from planning to the implementation phase.
The office deal with assessment of programs required by the youth in the community, communicates with the youth in order to determine their needs and interests in terms of empowerment and further ensures proper development of these youth structures. It also evaluates the effectiveness of youth programs to avoid redundancy and inefficient of these programs. Youth Development Office serves to ensure a variety of developmental programs e.g. Sports, Cultural activities, performing arts and skills development.
The Municipality shall, on an annual basis, conduct Youth Dialogue Outreach throughout Emalahleni Local Municipality in the form of a Summit where developmental programs and projects that are beneficial to young people will be planned. These programs will be documented in the form of resolutions that will pave a way forward for Youth Development Practice and inclusive planning in youth development activities all around the Municipality.
Skills Development Programs
- Technical Skills Training (Plumber, Electrician, Welder, Fitter etc)
- Basic Computer Skills (Computer Literacy Outreach)
- Bursaries (Full Bursary to study in an institution of the students choice)
- Internship Program
Annual Outreach Programs
- Emalahleni Local Municipality Youth Summit (Youth Dialogue Outreach)
- Education Indaba
- Career Expo (Grd 8-11)
- Sports Development Tournament (Executive Mayor’s High School Cup)
- Male Circumcision/ Sanitary Towel Drive
- Substance Abuse Awareness Campaign
All of these programs, through the office of the Executive Mayor, have one similar objective, to keep the Youth well-informed, give guidance and to combat socioeconomic ills that are prevalent within the city of eMalahleni.
