Former Lesedi presenter of current affairs Palesa Chubisi said the youth are desperately in need of help to further their aspirations.

She held a Thank You Gala Dinner in Ficksburg on Friday (28/7) for the youth from areas including Ficksburg, Clocolan, Marquard, and Senekal. 

She said the youth has been left behind disappointed whilst some have resorted to taking drugs. 

Chubisi said one of the greatest motivations for the gala dinner was when she realised the lack of knowledge among the youth, especially when it comes to being business savvy. She also used her experience with the public broadcaster, including the controversy that involved the court battle with the SABC, to motivate the youth.

She told OFM News this was a dream come true as she has dreamed of a gala dinner for a while now. She thanked all who contributed to the event and praised their Good Samaritan spirit. 

Chubisi said this was a dream come true as she dreamed of a gala dinner for a while now. Photo: Lucky Nkuyane

The event was attended by many professionals, including doctors, lawyers, officials from the Free State Department of Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (Destea), and the mayor. They all shared detailed advice with the youth present at the event and those who live-streamed the event. 

They urged the youth, who were in business, to safeguard and protect their businesses by making sure that they followed all the right steps and procedures. 

Chubisi said she wants to help the youth to be business savvy. Photo: Lucky Nkuyane

In August 2022, Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) announced that the official provincial unemployment rate had decreased by 5.6% from 36.7% in 2021’s fourth quarter to 31.1% in 2022’s first quarter. 

ALSO READ: High youth unemployment rate problematic for Ntombela

Unemployment in the Free State decreased on a quarter-to-quarter basis by 69,000 people who were employed. The rate of unemployed women also decreased by 4% from 40.3% in 2021’s fourth quarter to 36.3% in 2022’s first quarter, while the unemployment rate among men declined by 6.9% points from 34% in 2021’s fourth quarter to 27.1% in 2022’s first quarter.

Recently Premier Mxolisi Dukwana pledged to revive the economy of the province, saying it would make a major contribution to the development and growth of the country’s economy. The provincial government would work tirelessly to ensure the province’s economy reaches its full potential, while the government would support investors.

OFM News