The Minister of Gender, Youth and Social Development, Mr Pitso Lesaoana, has called on the youth to use technology not only for leisure but as a tool to establish businesses, access education, find markets and develop solutions to challenges facing the public.

These he said in his statement in commemoration of international Youth Day, emphasising that young people should not be viewed merely as future leaders, but as entrepreneurs,volunteers and active citizens.He said there is a need for the country to invest in youth through education, business development, technology and sports, among others.

He also noted that youth unemployment, skills gaps, inadequate access to technology and limited business opportunities remain major challenges facing youth, emphasizing the need for collaboration among government ministries, the private sector, civil society organisations, young people and the public.

He further highlighted the government’s shift from programmes aimed at addressing the needs of young people to initiatives focused on creating opportunities for them, citing SEBABATSO programme as one of those initiatives.He therefore called on all stakeholders to continue investing in young people, saying this year’s Youth Day commemoration should go beyond celebration and serve as a renewal of each stakeholder’s commitment to investing in the country’s youth.

International Youth Day is commemorated annually on August 12 with the objective to recognise the importance of youth engagement in sustainable development, education, employment, climate action, digital inclusion, and mental well-being amongst others.