RESEARCH REPORT: WORKSHOP ON ETHICAL LEADERSHIP IN AND THROUGH YOUTH (GEORGE, EDEN MUNICIPALITY)

Abstract

George, Knys na and Mossel Bay are municipalities within the Western Cape Province and are situated approximately 550 km outside of Cape Town. These respective municipalities have rich histories originating from the early descendants of both the San (30 000 years ago) and Khoi-khoi people 2 000 years ago. According to George municipality’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP) the area of George, Knysna, and Mossel Bay are largely still developing areas. In this IDP various areas have been identified for priority development in these local municipalities, and inc lude Social Development, Health and Education. A key challenge identified through public participation according to the IDP within the category of Social Development is Youth Development. The young people in these areas are faced with the challenges of crime, poverty, violence and abuse against women and children, drug and alcohol abuse, unemployment, teenage pregnancies, HIV/AIDS infections and increased school drop out rates. (Integrated Development Plan, online at http: www.george.org.za ). Furthermore, young leaders in these areas are often faced with difficult decisions related to peer pressure and are often confronted with moral decision making choices.