As part of celebrating 40 years anniversary, the University of Venda’s Department of Youth in Development invited National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) to conduct Job Preparedness Training which was aimed at linking the students to employment and other development-related opportunities. This was to commemorate the 1976 uprising wherein youth bravely fought against the system of Bantu Education in response to the introduction of Afrikaans as the medium of instruction in local schools. The event took place at the University Auditorium on Wednesday, 15 June 2022.
Mr Ndivhuwo Mbulaheni – Training Officer – NYDA
Mr Ndivhuwo Mbulaheni, a Training Officer representing NYDA, presented the Job Preparedness Programme to the youth who attended the Youth Day celebration that took place a day before the main celebration of June 16. In his presentation he said, “the NYDA was established to address unemployment. The challenge youth is faced with today is money, NYDA is a link between youth and money.” He urged students to go to school and get a qualification. Mr Mbulaheni said students should build their profile. “A qualification does not make you employable, your skills and the way youcompile your CV do.” All students who attended and registered on the NYDA system will receive the certificates of attendance which will play a vital role in the labour market. The targeted audience were youth between 18-35 years.
Advocate Edward Lambani – University Registrar
The University Registrar, Advocate Edward Lambani during his welcome and opening remarks mentioned how impressed he was with the number of participants. He acknowledged every student who managed to attend the workshop. “You are the most important people in this institution because you are the ones concerned about our history”, highlighted Adv Lambani. He said the students can change history for the better and they are the future. Adv Lambani said “commemorating Youth Day is a revival of where we come from and where we are going”.
Prof Tsoaledi Daniel Thobejane
Presenting the purpose of gathering, Prof Tsoaledi Daniel Thobejane stated that the future of young people is in their hands. He said the chances of people getting to higher education in 1976 was slim and the youth of 1976 paved way so that students of today can get their certificate and contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.
The University of Venda’s Department of Youth in Development was launched in 1999 and as a pioneering Department on issues relating to youth and development, has so far, graduated more than 2000 youth activists who continue to play leadership roles in various sectors locally and internationally.
Dr Harry Mukwevho -Senior Lecturer – Department of Youth in Development
Introducing the keynote speaker, Dr Harry Mukwevho who is the Senior Lecturer in Department of Youth in Development, reflected on the issue of Bantu education. He said Bantu Education was unethical.
Ms Ntsieni Nkhuname – Career Counsellor – Department of Labour
The Department of Labour was also represented by Ms Ntsieni Nkhuname who is a Career Counsellor. She urged students to register their information on the department website to stand a better chance of getting employment.
Dr Thizwilondi Mudau – Head of Department of Youth in Development
Head of Department of Youth in Development, Dr Thizwilondi Mudau reflected on the presentation on Accessing Job Opportunities. Dr Mudau said students should know what to write on their CVs to build great profiles.
Prof Tawanda Runhare – Director of Education in the Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education
Director of Education in the Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education, Prof Tawanda Runhare thanked participants for attending the event. He thanked the organisers of the event and applauded them for acknowledging that students are the future and need to respond to national issues. “Education is the most important weapon to fight poverty.”
Dr Takalani Dzaga – Director Marketing, Branding and Communication
Director Marketing, Branding and Communication, Dr Takalani Dzaga was the programme director. Dr Dzaga highlighted that this event is intended to equip students with the opportunity to get employment.
Some of the attendees posing for a photo with the NYDA Guest speaker Ndivhuwo Mbulaheni (middle – the front row)
Above photo: Students queuing to register on the NYDA Database
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8525 / 8710
Date: 21 June 2022
