Addressing the C in ICT

Local ICT service provider, Khwinisa Technologies, has invested in Loocha Magazine, an initiative whereby Government and the private sector can communicate directly to the youth of South Africa, informing them of various opportunities. As South Africa’s official youth empowerment publication, Loocha will be launched and available in stores during Youth Month in June 2011.

Khwinisa CEO Collen Mashawana says this programme aims to address the C in ICT. “C stands for Communications and it is vital for Government to communicate effectively with our youth in order for them to take advantage of all the opportunities available to them today.”

The magazine’s pre-launch was held recently at the Da Vinci Hotel on Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton and attracted the likes of former City Press editor and Government Communications and Information System boss Vusi Mona and also Uhuru Communication’s director Lebo Gunguluza, the publishers of this exciting magazine.

Loocha is the first of its kind through its eclectic editorial combination in covering themes ranging from lifestyle, entertainment, sports, to career guidance. But most importantly, it puts emphasis on education, life skills mentorship, entrepreneurship and legacy issues. Loocha is an aspirational youth publication that prides itself in providing relevant content with the objective of remaining informative, educational, inspirational, entertaining, interactive and empowering.

Floyd Shivambu, ANC Youth League (ANCYL) spin doctor who was one of the speakers, says the magazine is not in any way linked to the ANCYL, but will act as a platform where Government can communicate directly with the youth about programmes available to them. “As SA’s hottest youth empowerment and upliftment magazine for readers aged between 16 and 35, Loocha aims to inform, educate, entertain, empower and inspire young people.”

Mashawana says the name Loocha is inspired by the Nguni word ulutsha meaning youth. “One of our most crucial objectives is to bridge the information gap between the youth, Government and industry so prevalent in today’s society.”

“Loocha will act as a platform where Government and industry can communicate directly with the youth regarding programmes and opportunities available to the South African youth and in exchange the youth can use Loocha as their trusted tool to access information on youth programmes and opportunities available at different youth institutions, be it in the public or private sector,” he concludes.

The Loocha Youth Magazine will be distributed nationally throughout South Africa, it will be distributed to local all municipalities across the 9 provinces; through as many high schools and tertiary institutions as possible across the 9 provinces and will also be distributed to all government departments with youth divisions across the country.

Loocha will also be available at leading retail outlets (Shoprite Checkers, Pick ‘n Pay, Spar, CNA, Exclusive Books) and filling stations (Shell, Caltex, Engen, BP) at a subsidised affordable cover price.