North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi has reiterated the importance of civic education in schools, saying it will help preserve the country’s history while inspiring the youth with stories of the struggle stalwarts who laid their lives for the democracy and freedom the country enjoys in the present day.
This emerged when he led the Freedom Day Commemoration at the Ledig Sports Grounds near Rustenburg on Wednesday.
During an exclusive interview on YOU FM, Mokgosi committed to ensuring the success of youth focused programmes across all departments.
“We need integrated planning as far as programmes in all our departments.
Our arts and culture and advocacy programmes must find expression in our schools.
I have encouraged that we should not plan in silos because what is important is the impact that we’ll have on the young people’s lives,” Mokgosi remarked.
He adds that these projects must bolster sustainability in the province.
As this year’s Freedom Day was observed under the theme “United in Resilience For The Defence Of Our Freedom and Democracy,” Mokgosi said the provincial government will take the time to reflect on the gains made in the 31 years of the country’s democracy.
“We should appreciate the fact that as a government we are celebrating this day and the essence of our celebration is to say, what are we saying about this democracy?
What does it mean to us?
What does it translate to?
But at the centre of Freedom Day is to build a rainbow nation.
Thus far the government has succeeded.
There are challenges but we believe that we’ve made progress.
This is not a chemical reaction, it takes time, but we believe that we are on course,” explained Mokgosi.
In addition, Mokgosi sought to assure the residents that while budget constraints remain an obstacle in government plans, they’re steadfast in advancing their key priorities.
He called on the residents not to be spectators but assume their role of safeguarding the country’s freedom and democracy.
