NWU Mafikeng hosts deputy minister of transport to celebrate youth month

As part of youth month celebrations, the deputy minister of transport, Ms Sindisiwe Chikunga, was hosted by North-West University Mafikeng Campus on Friday, 12 June. The deputy minister engaged in a round table dialogue with third-year Transport students on transport issues. The students are funded by the Department of Transport and are studying fields such as transport logistics and economics.

Subjects discussed included how youth see transport moving forward, access to transport-related opportunities, entrepreneurship within the world of transportation and socio-economic challenges in relation to transport.

In addressing these topics the deputy minister highlighted that the transport sector has been regarded by the government as key contributor to South Africa's competiveness in global markets. It is viewed as a crucial engine for economic growth and social development and that the government has unveiled plans to invest substantially to improve the country' s roads, railways and ports.

''Programmes that South Africa's universities, technical and vocational education and training colleges offer to students who will eventually graduate, must have the skills and knowledge to meet the present and future needs of the economy and society" said Chikunga.

The Campus Rector Prof Mashudu Davhana-Maselesele thanked the Department of Transport for the good working relationship they have with the North-West University. She further stated that the NWU will keep on making a difference by uplifting, developing and supporting our society.

Among the attendees was a representative of the MEC of public works and roads in North West, Mr Madoda Sambatha, the MEC of community safety and transport management, Mr Gaoage Molapisi from the Mafikeng and Ngaka Modiri Molema Municipality, and North-West University Mafikeng Campus's senior management.