President Cyril Ramaphosa has challenged South African youth to find tech-driven opportunities to help boost the country’s economic prospects post-coronavirus (COVID-19).
This is because technology is going to underpin nearly everything and usher in a new digital society, said Ramaphosa.
The president made the comments during a virtual panel discussion as part of this year’s Youth Day commemorations. Celebrations paying tribute to the youth of 1976 were held online yesterday, amid the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.
Throughout his presidency, Ramaphosa has been vocal about his aspirations to see ICT become an integral part of the economy.
He has also stressed the need to ensure young people have the necessary skills to prepare them for a digital future.
The president called on the youth to work with government in creating an inclusive economy that will rid the country of inequality, poverty and unemployment.
“There has to be life beyond COVID-19,” he says. “We are looking forward to creativity, innovation and new ideas from young people and we want young people who are going to speak out and step forward.
“COVID-19 is pregnant with opportunities, so I am challenging young people to see that post COVID-19 is a new platform. We need to set up different ways of running our economy, of the ownership of economy and managing our economy and production.”
Ramaphosa also encouraged young people to produce products. “That is how we want to grow our economy; as government we need to find those gems and invest in them. I want businesses to be helped and supported.
“I want change agents, activists, young people who are progressive, young people who are deeply rooted in principles and values.
“Young people who will also build a country that will rid our country of gender-based-violence, xenophobia, young people who will be imbued with the spirit that we should have tolerance and respect for one another, for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex community, and disabled people in our communities must also be empowered.”
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