"Africa needs to enter the global village, not by imitating the west or the east, but in its own very innovative way by being inspired by its own cultural heritage." These were the words of the director of corporate communications at Progress Milling, Mr Masenya Masenya, during a citizenship service information seminar held at the University of Venda a week ago.

The seminar, which was specifically focusing on the youth and their cultural diversity, was organised by non-governmental organisations aimed at addressing an avalanche of intricate youth-development matters across the province.

Speakers who addressed the more than 300 youths were the chairperson of the Limpopo Youth Commission, Rodgers Tshivhase, Musanda Vho-RR Sumbana, Mr Sello Malesa of the Commission on Gender Equality, Mr Selaelo Nkube from the Moral Regeneration Movement, and Mr Danny Goulkan from the National Heritage Council.

Goulkan told the future generation that it is the unified understanding of cultures that will bring people closer to nation building. He added that the unity enjoyed by empires of the world was built on the strength of their cultures. "Nations whose cultural unity brought socio-economic rewards are the Germans, Chinese, Jews, Indians and Europeans. Africa still has to jump the hurdle of glaring cultural divides but this is now beginning to take centre stage in many sectors of society," he said.

Selaelo Nkube from the Moral Regeneration Movement urged the youth to continue learning from the 1976 youth without compromising standards. He said the youth of today must emulate the commitment of the 1976 youth and convert their energy into the fight against crime, the prevention of HIV, teenage pregnancy, ethnicity, tribalism, disrespect for elders and all other social ills that continue to divide them from the realities of life.

The chairperson of the Limpopo Youth Commission, Rodgers Tshivhase, addressed the youth about the importance of youth participation in their own cultural activities.