NPC uses Mxit to target 'future shapers' youth

Mxit is still the most popular social networking service locally, with over 10 million South African users.

NPC representatives and national planning minister Trevor Manuel engaged in a live chat with Mxit users during the launch of the service at Mxit's offices in Stellenbosch, on the eve of Freedom Day. "It is time for young people, as the new generation, to take over the baton from the youth of 1976 and shape the country you desire," Manuel said during the first chat. According to ITWeb, the new initiative aims to target South African youth who may not have access to computers and the Internet.

The newly established NPC Mxit portal contains a brief summary of all 13 chapters of the draft national development plan. Last year, the NPC ran an "NPC Jam" in an online forum and used social media to appeal to South Africans to contribute to the national planning dialogue. "This audience represents a marginalised voice who [needs] to be part of the dialogue to ensure they shape the future of their country," said the NPC.

Read the full article on www.itweb.co.za.