Orange Farm:Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Steve Letsike, has called for a youth development system that provides young people with opportunities to recover from setbacks and re-enter education, employment, and the economy. This call was made during the launch of the Take 2 campaign at the Orange Farm Multipurpose Centre in Gauteng.

According to South African Government News Agency, the Take 2 campaign is a localized initiative aimed at empowering adolescent girls and young women aged 15 to 24. The campaign combines elements such as HIV testing, family planning, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and self-care to assist young women in making informed lifestyle choices.

Letsike stressed the importance of addressing barriers that prevent young people, especially adolescent girls and young women, from accessing necessary healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. She highlighted the disparity in 'second chances' for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds who often lack financial and social support.

She emphasized that the Constitution's commitment to human dignity, equality, and freedom should result in tangible improvements in young people's lives, including informed decisions about their bodies and reproductive health. Letsike introduced the concept of 'option poverty,' which includes both financial constraints and the lack of meaningful choices.

Economic dependence, transport costs, and gender-based violence are among the challenges restricting young people's ability to exercise their rights. Letsike warned against placing responsibility solely on young people and emphasized the need for access to knowledge and safe services.

Furthermore, she advocated for addressing sexual and reproductive health alongside economic empowerment, education, and social circumstances. Letsike called for an integrated approach to service delivery to ensure that young people facing various challenges are not excluded from necessary support.

She urged that youth development programmes should focus not only on enrollment numbers but also on successful transitions into further education, employment, or entrepreneurship. Letsike encouraged creating opportunities for young people to acquire new skills and re-enter the labor market despite personal or professional interruptions.

Letsike concluded by calling on government, healthcare, educational institutions, and communities to reshape their services to meet young people's needs. She praised the integrated service provision of the Take 2 campaign and commended Tiko South Africa for involving young people in the initiative's design, emphasizing the importance of their voices in shaping solutions.