President Jacob Zuma has stressed the importance of education saying it is the most important empowerment tool.
Zuma was speaking during the Jacob G Zuma RDP Education Trust Children and Youth Christmas Outreach held at Nkandla, in northern KwaZulu-Natal.
The president says education is the only way of changing not only one’s situation, but one’s family and the entire nation.
“A contribution that you make to a child that is being educated by the trust and the foundation is in fact a national contribution of a nation building. You are yourself putting an effort to nation building,” says Zuma.
The event was also attended by cabinet ministers and business people.
Zuma says both the foundation and the trust have helped over a thousand young people to get education.
Over 50 graduates clad in their gowns stood proudly in front of scores of people who packed the marque.
Some are qualified engineers, medical doctors, teachers and others.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Sihle Zikalala, also stressed the importance of education.
He warned young people against alcohol and drugs
“You must stay away from drugs, alcohol and other forms of social ills. Girls and boys must be in school in order for you to get a better future. Beware of blessers and sugar daddies driving fancy cars and wants to take advantage of young girls,” says Zikalala.
President Zuma also urged business people to support both the foundation and the trust, so that more young people from poor backgrounds can access higher education.
He also called on the private sector to absorb into the economy those who have qualified in their studies.
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