Note to broadcasters: Please find attached an audio clip by MPP Gillion Bosman
Despite facing ANC-sponsored economic and fiscal problems, the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport can fulfill its mandate of promoting social cohesion and youth development, guided by the provincial Strategic Plan.
To keep building a Western Cape that works for all, the Western Cape Government will be spending R293,816,000 over the next three financial years on Mass participation Opportunity and access Development and growth (MOD) Programme and Youth Programmes to curb gang activities among the province’s young people.
The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sports (DCAS) has outlined its expenditure plan as follows:
1. MOD Programmes – R136 604 000
2. Youth Programmes – R157 212 000
DCAS’ focus on youth, through programmes like Neighbouring School Programme, Recreation Programme, and the YearBeyond Programme, recognises the prevalence of crime activities in the Western Cape and provides young individuals with essential skills and support, enabling them to make positive choices and avoid engaging in gang-related activities and other social ills.
The Department’s safety interventions are also guided by the provincial crime hotspot areas identified such as Bishop Lavis, Gugulethu, Nyanga, Delft, Hanover Park, Phillippi East, Khayelitsha, Mitchell Plain where these programmes foster a positive environment for growth, opportunities and social cohesion.
Mass participation Opportunity and access Development and growth (MOD) Programme
The MOD Programme promotes active engagement in sports, arts, culture, and recreation through its MOD Centres. The program’s implementation strategy is to encourage continuous and regular involvement in after-school activities. Learners are increasingly exposed to mass participation, skill development, advanced involvement, and talent identification.
Youth Programme
The youth program aims to connect youth to possibilities. This is accomplished through a combination of initiatives aimed at youngsters, assisting them in discovering and pursuing their passions and addressing the needs of youth who are not in education or training. The purpose is to promote active and productive living for residents of all ages.
Gillion Bosman MPP said: “The work of this department is to prevent young people in our communities from becoming statistics of crime and violence. I am glad to see the department placing such a high value on developing the future generation. I am happy with the department’s allocations, which have been directed toward allowing our province’s youth to pursue their passions”.