YOUTH PARLIAMENT DEBATES ISSUES FACING YOUNG PEOPLE IN KWAZULU-NATAL

Youth Parliament debates issues facing Young People in KwaZulu-Natal

On 14 and 15 June 2023, KwaZulu-Natal Youth converged at Ndwedwe Regional Sports Ground in Ilembe District for their Youth Parliament. Youth formations from 8 political parties that are represented in the Legislature met this year under the theme, “Accelerating Youth Economic Opportunities for a Sustainable Future”.  

The first session of the Youth Parliament took place in the form of Commissions, where delegates received presentations from government departments and public entities on various topics that were of interest to the youth. Delegates had an opportunity to engage on the presentations and raised issues that affected them and needed urgent intervention.

The second session of the Youth Parliament took place in the form of a formal sitting where delegates debated the theme “Accelerating Youth Economic Opportunities for a Sustainable Future”. Some of the critical issues which delegates raised during the debate include: the state of education in KwaZulu-Natal, economic opportunities that South Africa’s BRICS membership presents to young people, the mentoring of youth in governance matters and leveraging information technology training for gainful employment.

Other issues affecting young people that need urgent solutions include poverty, unemployment, crime and inequality.