By: Natasha Archary

Acting Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Ms Maropene Ramokgopa has announced the theme for this year’s Youth Month, “Actively advancing socioeconomic gains in our democracy.”
Ramokgopa was appointed Acting Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture following the resignation of Zizi Kodwa who stepped down amid corruption charges.
Kodwa allegedly accepted R1.7 million in bribes from former EOH boss Jehan Mackay.
Mckay reportedly made cash payments to Kodwa to the amount of around R1.7 million between February 2014 and April 2015.
Kodwa is said to have benefitted from the illicit transactions which allegedly funded his luxury accommodation, loans and other gratuities.
Speaking after this year’s Comrades Marathon, the Acting Minister called on youth to celebrate the socioeconomic gains that have been made.
“We celebrate the socioeconomic gains that have been made in our democracy, yet also acknowledge that there is more to be done. Sport, Arts, and Culture play an important role in the mood and identity of our nation. Our commitment stands to continue developing the sectors.
As we continue to advance the socioeconomic gains of our democracy, we commit as Government to continue our endeavour to quantify, to lift and to develop the country’s sport, arts and culture sectors.”
Amongst other key areas, the Department says this year’s youth month commemoration focuses on sports for development of our youth and our nation and includes various development activities that will be held around the country in the lead up to Youth Day on 16 June.
The youth have strength, robustness, and the sheer power of being young. It’s of importance that the youth learn from one another on which kind of society we want to build for ourselves, it’s up to the youth.#YouthMonth2024 #48thCommemoration pic.twitter.com/MFCSzu6Xu8
— Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (@SportArtsCultur) June 10, 2024
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