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NATIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT WITH THE FLEMISH

The National Youth Commission (NYC) will be hosting 20 youth delegates from Jeug Internasionale (Jint) of the State of Flanders, Belgium, as follows:

Date: Tuesday, 21 May 2002 - Thursday, 23 May 2002
Venue: VW Conference Centre, Midrand

Theme: Towards sustainable youth development at local government level

The objectives of the conference are follows:

* To bring together all stakeholders on youth development and local government
* To engage in number of issues that would inform the formulation of local youth policy
* Establishment of mechanisms for delivery of youth services and programmes
* Initiation of actual youth directed development initiatives and programmes

The Conference will be opened by the Minister in the Presidency, Essop Pahad, and the representative of the Flemish Government in Southern Africa, Yves Wantens. Other speakers include the Tshwane Metro Executive Mayor and SALGA Chairperson, Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa; Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor, Duma Nkosi; Ministry of Youth and Sports Head in Flanders, Johan van Gaens and others.

All 6 Metros, 50 District Councils and 48 Local Municipalities have confirmed their attendance to this historic event.

This Conference follows the consultative workshop that was convened by the NYC in October 2001 with different youth organisations and local government representatives and SALGA. The participation of the Flemish delegation from Flanders is a giant step forward to bring them to the youth and share ideas thereof.

According to the Chairperson of the NYC, Mr Jabu Mbalula, this project will better enhance the aspirations of young people at local government level. "This is an ongoing partnership between the Flemish and the South African youth, to encourage youth participation at local government level. This is the sphere of government which the youth have to exploit for their development as it is the ultimate point of delivery of services." Mr Mbalula said.

All members of the media are invited to this event (programme details).

Ends

For comments please contact Paena Galane or Monde Mkalipi 082 575 3976 or 012-325 3702.

Issued by the National Youth Commission, 16 May 2002