Free State Department of Public Works and Infrastructure

Public Works and Infrastructure Celebrates Youth Day

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure commemorated the historic Youth Day, which is annually observed on 16 June, with a special programme held on 19 June.

The day began with an awareness and dialogue session on alcohol and substance abuse for departmental employees on the 8th floor of OR Tambo House. The session was organised by the Employee Health and Wellness Unit and featured presentations by Ms Penny Mathumbu, a private clinical and counselling psychologist; Mr Tshepo Mareka, a self-employed tailor and founder of House of Mareka, who is also a recovered substance user who has successfully rebuilt his life through dedication, resilience and entrepreneurship; and Mr Tsholofelo Molebatsi, a wellness organiser and Chief Orthotist and Prosthetist from Dynamo Rehab Services.

The session aimed to help employees identify risky substance use before it develops into addiction, provide information on where to access support services, and explain the impact of substance abuse on performance, health and decision-making.

The Youth Day commemoration then moved outside OR Tambo House to the statue of OR Tambo, where employees gathered for a vibrant programme of singing and dancing organised by the "Departmental Creative Explosive" team. Beautifully dressed in school uniforms and kofifi-inspired attire, the team performed the iconic Sarafina! dance and other songs that were popular during the 1976 era, bringing to life the spirit and resilience of the youth who fought for freedom.

Chief Director for Corporate Services, Dr Gladys Zake, said the department considered it important to commemorate this historic day by giving colleagues an opportunity to step away from their normal duties and reflect on the sacrifices made by the youth of 1976, whose courage paved the way for today's democratic and free South Africa.

The atmosphere was festive and filled with unity as employees enthusiastically joined in the singing and dancing. The Musicon team from the Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation added to the celebration with live musical performances, using their instruments and vocal talents to take employees on a nostalgic journey through the memorable songs of the 1976 era.

Bloemfontein: Today, MEC Dibolelo Mance participated in the Central University of Technology and Free State Online Youth Business Breakfast.

Speaker after speaker at this Youth Breakfast emphasised the pressing need for youth participation and involvement in developmental and skills transfer programmes.

“There is a dire need for a collective effort to close the gap on youth unemployment. All role players, including the public sector, private sector, and institutions of higher learning, must collaborate to create a conducive environment that enables economic viability,” said MEC Mance.

The session was also graced by the CUT Dean of Student Affairs, Dr Bernard Sebake. “The youth of today need to be conscious in character, need to be involved, and own their spaces,” added Dr Sebake.

The session was themed and captured as Chapter Two of the Youth Business Session with the theme: From Conversations to Action.

MEC Toto Makume was also in attendance, and he emphasised the importance of youth networking and sharing of information amongst young people. “It is important that we, as young people, occupy the space and grab the opportunities in front of us so that there is economic emancipation in our lives,” added MEC Makume.

Tomorrow, 19 June 2026, MEC, Dibolelo Mance, will deliver the keynote address at the Chapter 2 Youth Month Business Breakfast, bringing together government, business leaders and young entrepreneurs to champion youth economic empowerment.

Catch MEC, Dibolelo Mance, on Lesedi FM today, 18 June 2026, at 16:15.

Topic of discussion: Free state pledge to work for the Expanded Public Works Programme.

Happy Birthday, MEC, Dibolelo Mance!

On this special day, we celebrate a leader whose vision, courage, and dedication continue to inspire hope and progress.

May the year ahead be filled with good health, abundant blessings, and the fulfillment of every purpose placed before you.

Happy Birthday! May your light continue to shine brightly as you lead and serve with distinction.

Today, 10 June 2026 The National Council of Provinces held a Policy Debate on Budget Vote 13: Public Works and Infrastructure.

The Public Works Ministry presented the budget, after which Delegates to the NCOP participated in the debate.

MEC Dibolelo Mance informed the house of the department’s support of the budget vote.

“The people of South Africa do not experience government through constitutional provisions. They experience government through the quality of roads they travel on, the schools their children attend, the clinics that provide healthcare, and the infrastructure that supports economic activity in their communities.
For this reason, the Free State welcomes the continued national emphasis on infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation and improved service delivery.” MEC Mance said.

MEC MANCE'S WELCOMING SESSION WITH NYS SECURITY TRAINEES:

Today, MEC Dibolelo Mance hosted a welcoming and induction session for the National Youth Service (NYS) Security Trainees. The intake forms part of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) training and skills development initiative that seeks to empower and place young people in the forefront of eligibility for the job market.

First of its kind, the Security Skills Programme aims to combine theoretical learning with practical workplace experience, leading to nationally recognised qualifications and career opportunities in the security industry. In addition, the programme seeks to improve security measures of public facilities, particularly shared services buildings.

MEC Mance welcomed the 34 Participants commended them for their courage to participate in the skill programme. “Today is not just a mere orientation or administration process. It is about empowering our people with knowledge, responsibility, opportunity and hope. This workshop marks the beginning of a journey for many individuals who have been seeking a meaningful opportunity to improve their lives and support their families”, said MEC Mance

"This programme was initiated intentionally to alleviate the challenges of unemployment and poverty in our communities," MEC Mance added.

The Scope of the Skills Programme is on three key areas, namely, Patrol Officer - Grade E, Access Control - Grade D and Asset and Reaction Officer - Grade C.

Upon completion, the Trainees will be awarded with the National Certificate: General Security Practices NQF Level 3.

MEC, Dibolelo Mance, welcoming breakfast with NYS security personnel.