UTHUNGULU District Municipality Mayor, Cllr Thembeka Mchunu has expressed her displeasure at the increase of the pregnancy rates among young women in the district.
Speaking at the inaugural District Youth Council Sitting held at Ngwelezane’s New Field, Mchunu said the youth of 1976 should be turning in their graves, as this was not what they struggled for.
‘The youth of 1976 were more focused on their future and the future of a South Africa they wanted, and clearly this business of young women getting pregnant from the age of 18 years and below is painting a negative picture on the future of this country.
‘For how long are we going to allow this to happen? This is impacting on our social lives, but also says something about our morals.
‘The spirit of the youth of 1976 is clearly not showing in you. We want young people who will be innovative, independent thinkers and who are involved with the current affairs of the country. Remember the future of this district lies in your hands.’
The First Lady also warned against the use of social networks. ‘You must practice extra care when using social networks such as Facebook, because It could lead to trouble. This was clearly demonstrated by the alleged rapist from Empangeni who lured young women through social networks, promising them jobs, only to rob and rape them.’
The District Youth Council Sitting was the brainchild of the Speaker, Cllr Alice Mthembu. She said the council took a decision to galvanise the youth, from all political parties represented in the Council, to offer them an opportunity to share matters of common interest and discuss issues affecting them as young people.
Issues that formed part of the Youth Council Sitting ranged from the Freedom Charter, the 21 years of freedom, looking at the strides that the government has made in the past, social transformation, health and crime.
The District Youth Council comprises 22 ANC councillors, 12 IFP, 5 NFP and two of the DA. They also elected Slindile Dube as the Youth Council Mayor, Youth Council Deputy Mayor Theo Naidoo with Siyabonga Chili elected as Youth Council Speaker and Lungani Mthembu as Youth Council Chief Whip.
