IVORY PARK YOUTH ACTIVIST APPOINTED TO PREMIER’S PANEL

Gauteng Premier, David Makhura announced a 15-member Gauteng Youth Advisory Panel (GYAP) on Youth Day, 16 June 2022.

The GYAP will be co-chaired by Premier Makhura and will act in an advisory capacity to the Gauteng Provincial Government in all youth issues and cooperating with other government agencies and civil society groups in the advancement of youth programmes.

The first output of GYAP will be to help ensure that the Gauteng Province has an integrated, holistic and sustainable approach to youth development that can empower young people to play a positive and constructive role.

Amongst the 15 member panel is Ivory Park’s own Vuyolethu Sibiya.

Sibiya is the Founder of the board for Kuzondlula Motivational Tour and Ward 111 ANCYL Branch Secretary.

He has served in various areas including the SADC Youth Member of Parliament (Coordination, Organizing & Advocacy) and AU Commission Youth Division Ambassador where he supported various programs for the youth.

He is also a former Presidential Youth ambassador in the Republic of South Africa.

He has been the mirror to many young people through the role he served locally and abroad. In 2019 he was invited to be part of the BRICS discussions in Tokyo (China).

Joining Vuyo on the GYAP is Zulaikha Patel, Irfaan Mangera, Dimpho Lekgeu, Jose Andre, Paballo Ponoane, Nonhlanhla Bakasa, Onkgopotse Peete, Vuyiswa Jentile, Ndumiso Hadebe, Lorraine Dimakatso Mahlosane, Emma Lavinia George, Luthando Mafunda, Dudu Mkhwanazi and Merike Du Plessis.

The members were drawn from various groups of society, including professional bodies, business, labour, academia, faith-based, non-governmental, disability organisations and LGBTIQ+ organisations.

“Given the youthfulness of the population, investing in youth development is crucial for the vision of transformation, modernisation and reindustrialisation of Gauteng into an inclusive and globally competitive city region. Our task is to support youth to unleash their potential”, said Makhura.

We wish Vuyolethu Sibiya well in his new role and responsibility.