​The community of Khayelitsha Informal Settlement near Meyerton in Sedibeng applauded government’s efforts for the opportunity to voice out their challenges that continue to affect young people in the area. 
Residents viewed this effort as a positive step in the right direction towards addressing some of their daily plights. 

This was echoed during the community dialogue held at the local church in the area on Thursday, where the Gauteng Department of Social Development partnering with various government departments and community leaders came to engage with community members on their challenges. 

“We hope starting from today things will be different and we will get services that are provided in other areas”, said the 27-year-old Thembalethu Qaluza who is one of the unemployed youth in Khayelitsha. 

He said they will appreciate if government can assist them with skills centre where young people can easily access information on government services that will help them change their lives for the better. Qaluza highlighted that poverty, unemployment and inequality is deeply rooted in the area. 

Various units from the department were brought in to inform and educate community members about the different types of services available that government offers for free. Amongst them were women empowerment projects and skills training for young people, supply chain management and services to children.

A representative from GDARDE, Gavaza Nwandzule, said young people must start being involved in agriculture as this will help them create many jobs while contributing into the economy. 

“As the department, we support household gardens and community gardens and school gardens with equipment, so it is up to you as a young person whether you chose to stay at home and complain that there are no jobs or you are going to start your own gardening”, said Nwandzule.