Parliament, Sunday, 16 June 2024 – As the country commemorates the bravery and selflessness of the youth of 1976, Parliament urges young people to continue drawing inspiration from the past and actively participate in shaping a brighter future.
Youth Day, observed annually on 16 June, honours the memory and acknowledges the role of the youth 48 years ago in the nation's struggle against apartheid. It serves as a poignant reminder of their role in the broader liberation movement and their ongoing contribution to its development.
16 June 1976 was a significant political milestone and a catalytic moment in the evolution of South Africa's political system. It was a day when black students from all walks of life across the country raised their voices, demanding their share of voice. The 1976 youth correctly identified the challenges and tasks they had to confront, taking a stand to revolt against the draconian apartheid education laws. The day commemorates the Soweto Uprising of 1976, a pivotal event in the country’s history that highlighted the brutal realities of apartheid and catalysed further resistance against the regime.
The South African youth, defined as individuals aged 15 to 34, make up about a third of the country's population of 62 million in 2024. According to the National Youth Development Agency’s Status on Youth Report 2022, around 17.4 million households in South Africa in 2020 were headed by youth, comprising 26.5% of the total. The study found that youth-headed homes in rural areas typically experience high levels of unemployment and poverty, while 5.9% of urban youth-headed households were recorded as having no income. Despite these various challenges, including socio-economic obstacles, the youth are resilient, resourceful, and actively engaged in various aspects of society. Many young people have been at the forefront of social and political movements, advocating for change and addressing issues such as gender inequality, racial discrimination, and environmental sustainability, among others.
This year, the country commemorates Youth Day as new designated Members of Parliament have been sworn in. In the spirit of amplifying youth voices, the 7th Parliament started with a list of designated members of whom at least 79 were younger than 40 years. The youngest MP is 20 years old.
Beyond the youth representation among MPs, however, Parliament over the past 30 years has worked tirelessly to ensure that the legal framework addresses the challenges faced by the youth in the country. These efforts are reflected not only in the law but also in the work of government departments, entities, and programmes. South Africa is one of the few countries globally with a specific section in its Constitution focusing on children's rights. Section 28 of the Bill of Rights in our Constitution states that “every child has the right to basic nutrition, shelter, health care, and social services, as well as the right to be protected from maltreatment, neglect, abuse, or degradation.” This includes youth aged 15 to 18 years.
Over 30 years of democracy, Parliament has passed key legislation aimed at, among other things, promoting youth development, protecting and ensuring the well-being of children and young people under the age of 18, protecting young workers, ensuring access to basic education for all children, and developing the skills of a young South African workforce. These include the National Youth Development Agency Act of 2008, the Children's Act of 2005, the Child Justice Act of 2008, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act of 1997, the South African Schools Act of 1996, and the Skills Development Act of 1998. Other key legislation and policies that impact the promotion of youth and economic development include the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act (2003), the Commonwealth Youth Charter (2005), the Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP), and the National Development Plan (NDP).
Parliament has also signed several international and regional treaties that have a direct impact on achieving the rights of young people. These include the African Youth Charter, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
South Africa has also established departments and entities with allocated budgets aimed at empowering and uplifting young people. Parliament continues to play its oversight role over these entities. They include the Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), and the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention. As part of robust oversight to ensure that the NYDA has more impact in addressing challenges facing the youth, Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities has highlighted several recommendations in its legacy report, which will be considered by the 7th Parliament. Among these is the extension of the grants programme to reach more youth, particularly in rural areas.
Furthermore, the National Youth Policy (NYP) 2020-2030, which was developed by the Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, targets youth at local, provincial, and national levels, addressing both historical injustices and contemporary challenges facing young people. It is a strategic framework aimed at fostering positive youth development in South Africa. The Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities continues to exercise oversight over the implementation of this policy, which is supported by an Integrated Youth Development Strategy (IYDS). The policy will be reviewed and updated to ensure the effective implementation of interventions. The policy will also emphasise the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders, including government bodies, civil society, and the private sector.
Parliament reminds South Africans that Youth Day is a day of remembrance and a call to action. It is a day that fosters dialogue about the role of the youth in driving social change and encourages young South Africans to take up leadership roles in their communities and beyond. As the nation reflects on the progress made in addressing challenges facing young people today, Parliament recognises the ongoing challenges and the importance of collectively continuing to work towards a future where all young South Africans can thrive.
By focusing on education, empowerment, active participation, and economic opportunities, the youth can build on the efforts of their predecessors, leading the charge in transforming South Africa into a more just and equitable society.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
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