PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa expressed the government's dedication to addressing the needs of the youth.
He was speaking during the Day of Reconciliation celebrations at Thohoyandou Stadium in Limpopo on Saturday, 16 December.
Despite the wet weather, thousands gathered to celebrate the Day of Reconciliation under the theme, "strengthening unity and social cohesion in a healing nation".
During his speech, the president highlighted the success of the Presidential Employment Stimulus, benefiting over 1,2 million unemployed people with income, work experience, and skills.
Ramaphosa also emphasised the impact of the SAYouth online platform, providing learning and employment opportunities for over one million young people.
Tlangelani Hlongwane, a young person, emphasised to Daily Sun the crucial role that young people play in fostering reconciliation.
"Youth engaging in potentially harmful behaviours, such as substance abuse or negative peer influences, can undermine the spirit of reconciliation,” she said.
She expressed the need for a lasting solution to address high youth unemployment.
"Yes, the government is trying, but corruption is a hindrance to certain projects that could create employment for youth," Tlangelani said.
The president's commitment to reconciliation extended beyond youth empowerment, focusing on gender equality.
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"We continue to address the needs of young people. The Presidential Employment Stimulus has provided income, work experience, and skills for more than 1,2 million unemployed people," said Ramaphosa.
According to the president, more than one million young people have been able to access opportunities for learning and employment through the SAYouth online platform.
Ramaphosa said that reconciliation is not an act of forgetting or ignoring the wounds of the past.
"Instead, it's a courageous and intentional effort to confront our history, to learn from it, and to build bridges of understanding across the chasms of misunderstanding and mistrust," he said.
The president called for an end to violence against women, advocating for societal collaboration to eliminate discriminatory practices.
Reflecting on the nation's challenges, Ramaphosa urged citizens to remain hopeful and persevere.
"For millions of our citizens burdened by the hardships of everyday life, it's sometimes difficult to remain optimistic. We will overcome this period of hardship, as we have so many times in the past," said Ramaphosa.
