Youth desks should be established in every mayor's office in the country, according to the South African Local Government Association (Salga).
SALGA's head of marketing and communications, Mogomotsi Mogodiri, said the youth desks would lend an ear to the youth and thus ensure their needs were considered when compiling government programmes.
He said the youth need education, jobs, access to health care, support in the fight against HIV and Aids and moral regeneration projects.
"These challenges can be meaningfully met if there is collaboration between government, civil society, communities and most importantly the youth," said Mogodiri.
He said several municipalities had already established youth desks while others were in the process of doing so.
Mogodiri said Salga had developed a Youth Development Strategy that would be introduced during the month of June and distributed to all municipalities as a guide on youth development issues.
He encouraged young people to take advantage of opportunities provided by government, such as learnerships.
Mogodiri appealed to municipalities, government departments and agencies, business and non governmental organisations to work together to develop the youth.
Each year, South Africa dedicates the month of June to renew a pledge to advance our country's youth.
The theme for this year's youth month is, "Deepening Youth Participation in Development," which emphasises youth participation in partnership to develop communities and promote further youth training and skills development.
Source: BuaNews
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