Somlomo obekekileyo, maLungu abekekileyo ale Ndlu ngokubanzi, Lutsha lomZantsi Afrika jikelele, zidwesha ezihloniphekileyo, maqabane omzabalazo nabahlobo, egameni loonyana neentombi,egameni loxolo, kwintando yesininzi nenkululeko echulumancisayo eyankcenkceshelwa ngegazi lamaqhawe omzabalazo eli lizwe, ndiyanibhotisa. (Translation of isiXhosa paragraph follows.)
[Ms S T NDABENI: Hon Speaker, hon members of this House at large, the youth of South Africa, distinguished guests, comrades and friends, on behalf of the sons and daughters, in the name of peace, democracy and exciting freedom that has been watered by the blood of the heroes of the struggle of this country, I greet you.]
I might not be categorised as a youth of 1976; however, everything that took place during that time is still vivid in my mind, as if it happened just yesterday and, furthermore, it's a legacy that can never vanish.
Hon members, allow me to begin by looking back at the role which was played by the youth of 1976 in liberating our country. The class of 1976 bravely took to the streets of Soweto, and challenged the apartheid regime. They did not have any munitions. Their weapons were stones, but sadly, their opponents had guns. Their victory created a legacy as it meaningfully contributed towards the liberation of black people in South Africa. The Soweto uprisings and the 1976 massacre clearly indicate that the youth represents a leading motive force in the liberation struggle.
The month of June - which is dedicated to youth in our country - marks a very important event that contributed immensely to the democratic dispensation that we are celebrating and benefiting from as a society and people living in South Africa.
The dawn of democracy in 1994 became a qualitative breakthrough as the youth stood at the forefront of political engagement against apartheid. In April 1994 the youth as the motive force achieved a voice in the state. This House will agree with me when I say that, for the first time in the long and bloody history of our country, the voice of the youth could be heard, and their needs and interests were placed at the centre of government policy.
Subsequently, the aspirations of the democratic South Africa championed the interests of the majority who had been disadvantaged by the then apartheid government.
The primary task for us now is to work towards the emancipation of the black majority, the working people, the urban, the rural poor, the women, the youth and the disabled.
Consistent and reliable programmes that articulate youth interests were developed and implemented. Relevant structures such as the Umsobomvu Youth Fund and the Youth Commission were put in place. Policy frameworks were developed to give clear guidance to those institutions. The government introduced the policy of black economic empowerment, not only as a moral initiative to redress the wrongs of the past, but also as a growth strategy that aimed to realise the country's full economic potential, promoting active participation of the youth in our country.
In 2006, our democratic Parliament established the Youth Parliament as a national discussion forum to encourage the youth to debate, and have their voices heard in a purely democratic manner. Through this initiative our Parliament continues to encourage the youth to play a critical role in the transformation, reconstruction and development of our country.
Youth Parliament is a global phenomenon that serves as the consultative forum between policy makers and the youth. Serious challenges facing the youth - such as unemployment, poverty and discrimination - are discussed. Through this forum the youth is encouraged to take part in decision-making and legislative processes which directly affect their lives. Young people are enabled to articulate their views within Parliament, the provincial legislatures and other relevant national youth structures.
We have realised that together we can do more; hence the merger of two institutions that gave birth to the National Youth Development Agency whose mandate is to create a platform for the massification of youth development in general and of skills development in particular. This is an institution by the youth for the youth and by an organised and vibrant youth voice, that seeks to emancipate itself from poverty and underdevelopment. We, as the youth, acknowledge the loopholes of the past youth development institutions and we are going to capitalise on lessons learnt, and the new opportunities that come from the successes gained from the Umsobomvu Youth Fund and the National Youth Commission.
Without downplaying the constraints brought about by the economic downturn that is affecting the world and our country in particular, we stand by the words of that freedom fighter and stalwart of the struggle:
A nation that does not invest in its youth does not deserve its future.
The youth will have a sense of belonging and feel the importance of being active participants in the development of our country once their plea for decent jobs, better education and others are well attended to and the health system is in place.
A platform to showcase their talents as young people and also to have a say in the operations of the country through youth izimbizo, dialogues and effective participation in all structures, will definitely built confidence, and a vibrant, active youth voice.
With the high mortality rate among adults, young people are forced to give up their youth and become parents instead. This leads to an increase in the number of child-headed homes. We are opportunistically referred to as the lost generation because of a lack of a better understanding of what we stand for.
We need to strengthen the notion of moral regeneration to bring back the value system and morality of our youth through cultural and religious activities. We further need to acknowledge the fact that, because of the dawning of democracy in 1994, we became a cosmopolitan country, a rainbow nation with different cultural values. In instances of this nature we need to be tolerant of each other, and acknowledge the fact that respect is a two-way street that applies equally to both the elderly and the youth.
Mr President, when you said in your presidential address:
We must work together to improve the implementation of the comprehensive plan for the treatment, management and care of HIV and Aids, so as to reduce the rate of new infections by 50% by the year 2011 ...
... you posed a challenge to us as young people, as we are the ones mostly affected by this scourge.
As we mark the start of Youth Month, a group of young people in KwaZulu- Natal, led by Pastor Vusi Dube of Ethekwini Community Church and Centre of Hope, are walking 250km this week in the Abstinence Walk. This event is aimed at encouraging young people to abstain from premarital sex as the key preventative measure in our society.
This, Mr President, is an indication that young people are taking charge of their lives. On 16 June, the youth of Mvezo Traditional Authority, under the leadership of Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandlesizwe Mandela, will kick off HIV and Aids in the playground. This is our life, our future and our vision.
Therefore, Mr President, hand in hand, we will work with all sectors to ensure that we make our contribution to achieve the target of the National Strategic Plan for 2007 to 2011.
This will only leave a clear footprint when we strengthen Operation Siyabangena, as we did KwaNongoma and Orania, and declare war on the epidemic. [Applause.]
This can only be achieved through gatherings such as youth izimbizo, where youth will share information and experiences. Memorial lectures in commemoration of our legendary comrades, such as Steve Biko, Helen Joseph and Beyers Naud - who died while fighting in honesty and integrity for equality, justice and liberation - provide a platform to conscientise the youth about how far we have come in terms of fighting for liberation and equality in South Africa. We are happy to see that all the above-mentioned have been made part of the priorities of this current administration.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the ruling party and the President of the Republic of South Africa on winning the elections. I would also like to congratulate all the Members of Parliament and legislatures, most especially the young individuals, as they bring the concept of generational mix, both in Cabinet and in legislatures, to life. We trust that this act will be emulated throughout all sectors of the economy and development centres of our country.
Hon members, the Confederations Cup is just the start of good things that will show our vibrancy, as stadia will be filled mostly by young people. Through this we will also be celebrating the fruits for which Tata Mandela fought. The President declared July 18 Mandela Day. As young people, we will engage the National Youth Service to mobilise young people to participate in programmes related to home-based care visits, orphanages and old age homes.
As the ANC Youth League representatives, we humbly appreciate all the support that has been given by the youth of our country, as indicated during the 2009 general elections. Our youth demonstrated patriotism and pride for their country. This is a clear indication that the ANC will obtain a 100% vote come the next election, as it is the people's choice. [Applause.]
This defines the role that the youth can play in the trajectory of this democracy, just as much as the youth of 1976 played a role in this South Africa that you are celebrating today. A nation that does not invest in its youth is doomed. Therefore, let us all go and celebrate a vibrant youth voice.
Elokuqwela lithi, Lutsha lomzi wakowethu, masibe yimbumba enyamanye sitshatshele kwiinkqubo zophuhliso nokuba lilizwi elitsolileyo, sibe negalelo elihle ekuncediseni urhulumente wethu ukuze sibe nekamva eliqaqambileyo. Ngombulelo omkhulu. Ndiyayishiya indawo. [Kwaqhwatywa.] (Translation of isiXhosa paragraph follows.)
[Finally, youth of our country, let us unite and excel in developmental programmes and become the audible voice, with a positive contribution towards helping our government in order to have a brighter future. I am grateful. Thank you. [Applause.]]