Youth in different parts of Gauteng have come together to learn and teach each other on what they can do to “Be the legacy: A generation of youth that will end gender-based violence,” which has been the theme of all provincial camps.

The department of social development have hosted seven-day camps at regional military bases over the past 13 weeks. 

Director of Youth and Community Development at the Department of Social Development, Noncedo Zonke said: “There are young people who are abused at home. The safety and security of knowing that there are trained soldiers looking after them makes them sleep – for some, for the first time.”

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The youth who range between 17 and 24-years-old, are chosen from the list of the department’s database of child-headed households, South Africa Social Security Agency (Sassa) grant-receivers and also disabled young people.

Zonke reiterated that as the department of social development it is its responsibility to ensure that young people receive assistance.

“What we are doing with the Youth Camps is ensuring that they at least receive life and business skills,” Zonke said.

A dinner was hosted in Heidelberg on Friday where youth spent time speaking discussing their contributions in ending gender-based violence. 

-ANA