The acquisition of knowledge required to drive socio-economic development dominated discussions between KwaZulu-Natal Premier Senzo Mchunu and Her Excellency Ms Anna Raduchowska-Brochwicz, the Ambassador of Poland to the Republic of South Africa.  â€œWe have agreed that a team of officials from Poland and KZN will meet to thrash out details on exchange programmes focusing on skills development targeted at young people.”

“I was not surprised to hear the ambassador stating that our former President Nelson Mandela is also a symbol of hope in Poland with many young people in that country living up to his values.

“Mandela’s legacy serves as an inspiration for many people across the globe and he remains the glue that binds us with the international community.”  â€œIt is for these reasons that we have agreed with the Ambassador that KZN must have a sisterprovince relationship with Poland. This will also include
city-to-city relations.”

“Our primary focus is investment in the education of our young people especially from KZN. Madiba believed in young people. He neither condemned them nor regarded them as a burden on society. Instead he viewed young people as valuable assets and successors upon whom a country depends for
the continuity of development.

It was the former president, who declared June, youth month. The first ever official youth day event took place here in KZN.”  â€œDuring the month of June we will launch a youth skills development and international internship programme. Poland is one of the countries that have agreed to provide scholarship for young people from this province.”

“It is our view as government that greatest honour we can give to Madiba is to invest in the education of young people which he believed in. Our vision as the provincial government is for all young people to grow up safe, healthy, happy and resilient and to have the opportunities and skills they need in order
participate in the socio-economic development of this province.”

“However, we acknowledge that KZN Government cannot achieve this vision alone. We are relying on many role players such as foreign governments, international funders, the private sector and academic
institutions.”

Issued by the Office of the Premier