The ANC recognises the importance of the family as an institution. Steps must be taken to ensure that its centrality in advancing and preserving human solidarity must be promoted at all costs. The institution of the family is a unit of mutual support towards raising principled individuals of high moral standards and values; for therein lies a virtuous social transformation.
As a young woman, I re-emphasise the need to ensure that young women also obtain technical and scientific skills in the study of science and technology. South African women face specific challenges and, in particular, difficulties in society today.
The youth constitute a large portion of the South African population. We are a resourceful sector of society with diverse needs. Our government has to meet the consistent challenging needs of young people - the rural youth, urban youth, and youth with physical and other disabilities.
In conclusion, we as youth must be the centre of social transformation as one of the motive forces to ensure that, together, we build a national democratic and caring society. The Youth Month debate affords us the opportunity to reflect on the historical role of the youth within the social transformation discourse, its challenges and achievements.
Once social change begins, it cannot be reversed. You cannot "uneducated" a person who has learnt to read; you cannot humiliate a person who feels proud; and you cannot oppress people who are not afraid anymore.
As young people, at all times and under all circumstances, we have the power to transform the quality of our lives. For social transformation creates space for effective social change. We are the future, and the future is ours. I thank you. [Applause.]