Simon Nare
Deputy Minister in The Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli has called on the country’s youth to come to the party in shaping the direction of the country and shape the architecture of the country’s future.
Addressing the Seventh-Day Adventist Church Community Day at Maragon Mooikloof on Saturday in Pretoria, Mhlauli said young people must contribute to policy development, public consultations, municipal planning and budgeting as well accountability amongst others.
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She called on young people to participate in all three spheres government, be it national government, provincial and local government.
“South Africa’s history teaches us that young people have always shaped the destiny of our country. The youth of 1976 changed the course of our history through their courage and sacrifice exactly 50 years ago. The young voters of 1994 helped build our democratic South Africa.
“Today’s generation continues to lead in entrepreneurship, education, science, social activism and the creative industries. The question is not whether young people can shape government. The real question is whether they are ready to seize every opportunity to do so. And if they are not, what challenge does that present us as government to prepare the youth for that future?” she told the gathering.
Mhlauli posed what she termed a fundamental question of whether young people can step to the plate and play a role in shaping government policy with regards to the youth and shaping the society for he future of the nation.
“They are not only the leaders of tomorrow; they are active citizens, innovators and changemakers today. The youth debate that took place earlier this morning is testament to the fact that South Africa does not have a shortage of vibrant youth leaders who have ideas to influence, change and lead us into a new era,” she said.
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Mhlauli reminded the church that South Africa was a young a nation and that it is currently home to approximately 21 million people between the ages of 15 and 34 which represented 33.1% of the population.
The deputy minister said this represented a one-thirds of the population which should be central to decision making about the future of the country.
“This is not a small group. It is a powerful force for energy, creativity, innovation and nation-building. If one-third of our population is young, then young people must be central to every important decision about the future of South Africa.
“Government works best when citizens are involved, and democracy becomes stronger when young people speak and leaders listen,” she said.
The deputy minister said young people were the generation that will live with the consequences of these decisions, and their voices must be heard.
“We cannot discuss the future of young people without acknowledging the challenge of unemployment. The latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey released by Statistics South Africa reminds us that youth unemployment remains one of the greatest challenges facing our nation.
“These numbers are difficult and deeply concerning, but this challenge is not insurmountable. Youth unemployment is not a problem for young people alone. It is a national challenge that requires all hands-on deck. Government, business, labour, civil society, educational institutions, faith communities and families all have a role to play. Young people themselves must continue to prepare, participate and persevere,” she said.
Mhlauli called out on the youth that the country needed its energy, creativity and commitment as it celebrated 30 years of the Constitution and recommit into building a country where every young person will thrive.
