In her closing remarks at the National Youth Parliament, which was preceded by Youth Parliaments that were held in all nine provinces, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Baleka Mbete, commended the input that the youth delegates made in their deliberations in various commissions. "We can say with confidence that the quality of inputs in various commissions was very ripe. A lot of content that emanated from these deliberations presented a whole range of issues that need to be taken further.
"I want to highlight that today we saw practically that democracy is hard work," she made this remark referring to the differences and protracted impasse that emanated during the National Youth Parliament Plenary. "What it requires is that we should all be ready to say our bit, and say what we want to say with respect. But also to allow others to say what they want to say even if you disagree with what they have to say. Much as you feel strongly about your views, you need to give others space to say what they want to say," she said.
She said the youth must learn from this impasse which delayed this plenary, which assumed the status and decorum of a parliamentary sitting, that differences in opinion must not be seen as a bad thing, but can help to enrich each other's perspectives.
"The fact that we have different opinions must not be a source of any form of a stalemate or disruption, instead we need to harness these differing opinions and manage them in a way that will enhance each other's understanding and knowledge. The challenge is how we say what we want to say without disrupting each other.
"In the past two days we had an opportunity to visit commemorative and historic sites of our liberation struggle to relive the spirit of the sacrifices made by many for the attainment of our freedom and democracy," she said.
"I hope that your visits to these sites have exposed the youth to what it took to be where we are today. I hope the youth also witnessed and had a sense of the strides made by others for the advancement of their future."
She urged the youth delegates to go back to their respective provinces to identify unsung heroes and agitate for the erection of their memorials to ensure that their heroic and selfless roles are not excluded from the liberation struggle's history of this country.
"Let's continue to identify, recognise, celebrate and acknowledged those who fought for our freedom and democracy."
In the same breath, she asked, have we done justice to honour them? "We must see how we can do more to erect monuments to recognise human sacrifices."
As a sector we will have a detail record of the National Youth Parliament proceedings and look at areas that need to be taken forward, she said.
"Much of what has been discussed here will be processed to relevant Committees, especially when there are new ideas that need further examination by certain portfolio Committees in Parliament to make sure that they use them as references for their oversight work.
"The proposal that it is not enough to have only one National Youth Parliament a year is a consideration that needs to be looked at seriously, but in so doing we should also take into consideration the issue of resources," she said.
"We would like to use this opportunity to say, hopefully, we have all learnt lessons out of this event. But democratic practice is hard work. It requires the willingness to take your space, but to also give space to others. And to do things with respect, responsibility and pride. As we chart our future, we must recognise the bravery of the 'young lions' who laid their lives for our freedom and democracy," she said.
In his remarks, the Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Mr Raseriti Tau, said: "We have been blessed by your presence. Most importantly, let me thank those who made the history that we are here to observe. And for igniting what has brought us today. We should not lose sight of their sacrifices. We also pay tribute to the veterans for being with us, for sharing their experiences with us," he said.
"As Members of Parliament we are going to say what are your Committees will be doing with the issues raised here in the National Youth Parliament?" he asked.
"The primary function of Committees is to pass legislation, to conduct public participation and oversight - and to hold the executive accountable. We will make sure that Committees are capacitated to be able to relate to what has been said today. It is now the responsibility of Members of Parliament to ensure that our Committees respond to the challenges and opportunities raised.
"The youth has stated unambiguously that 'Nothing about us without us'. You have made that call clearly and loudly and you must live up to its expectation on the 3rd of August," he said.
"On this day (3 August 2016) go and exercise your right and vote and help in shaping the future of this country; that is non-racial, democratic and prosperous. A country we can all live in. A country in which all of us and our children can be assured of a brighter future," he said.
By Abel Mputing
1 July 2016
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