Parliament’s Presiding Officers have directed the Acting Secretary to Parliament to investigate the logistical problems that led to an inconclusive outcome to the Youth Parliament event held here yesterday.
Parliament will also make a decision about how and when the issues deliberated on in commissions at the Youth Parliament can be properly debated in a plenary session that results in the tabling of resolutions.
It is of serious concern to Parliament that the Youth Parliament could not conclude its business as planned.
Parliament does regard the youth of our country as vital to us overcoming the many societal challenges we face. That is why we hold specific engagements with young people, such as the Youth Parliament, where young people from all walks of life in our country can make their voices heard, be properly mentored and encouraged to take their rightful place as the future custodians of our democracy.
While we do not wish to engage on the matter prematurely, it is important to state that the figure of R2.1 million as being the cost of the Youth Parliament is incorrect and exaggerated. The approved budget for the event was just over R1 million and not all of this amount would have been used.
