T is very sad to see the government leaders only coming to our township when they need something from the people - especially when they need our votes.
What is worse is that they make these huge promises, but they tend to fail delivering them, especially for the young people.
As a young person born and bred in Mbekweni, Paarl, I am very disappointed in the Drakenstein Municipality not having any funds for the youth especially in Arts and Culture sector.
I can’t understand how a municipality doesn’t have funds for the youth. It should be a priority of every municipality in South Africa to have funds and planned projects/activities for the youth - NOT these window-dressing projects.
If there are any funds for the youth of Paarl then that needs to be visible to the public – let the people know about that, not just certain individuals.
The whole country is complaining about the youth - that they are mostly involved in crime, drugs, sex and are mainly victims of HIV and Aids.
I am not saying that this is not true, I totally agree with that, but what they (government) need to answer is what they are doing for these young people when they don’t have any projects for them, especially after school hours.
Funding youth structures can have a huge impact in helping in the development of young people.
Most of the youth organisations are dying because of a lack of funding and skills. That is where the government can help the youth a lot, especially in the Paarl area.
There are quite a few artists who have made it in the arts and culture sector from Paarl. But I don’t think the Municipality played a role in helping them achieve what they have achieved.
And I’m not saying that people should wait for the government to do things for them - they must learn to do things for themselves. Drakenstein Municipality and Cape Winelands District can help the youth in this regard.
There are lots of struggling youth organisations and youth structures around Paarl who are willing to do good for young people. But where is the support for these structures?
I am not even sure whether the Municipality is aware that there are structures like that in Paarl.
I hope that in 2008, Drakenstein Municipality will have a clear and professional plan for the young people of Paarl. It is really sad that even on significant dates like June 16, there aren’t any exciting events for the young people by the young people of Paarl.
I plea to Drakenstein Municipality to consider the needs of young people of Paarl. By doing this, please listen to what the youth needs, not what you think is good for the youth.
Thami aka Mbongo
