Nobulumko Nkondlo, National Youth Commission Chairperson
15 June 2007
The National Youth Commission is inspired by the legacy of Steve Biko.
Biko's approach emphasised the importance of the connection between identity,
agency and change. Steve had focused on the inextricable link between the
individual and society and between history and future. He had concluded that
through this link, the individual internalises influences from their society
that come to determine his or her role in the community. In turn, the
individual plays out their life in a way that contributes to the history of
that particular society.
On such an occasion, it will be almost impossible to speak of this giant
without reflecting on history. South Africa shares a horrific past in which
human dignity was determined by race and class. It is a history characterized
by dominance of one race over the other. It a history of brutal hatred
perpetuated by racial conviction. It is a history of a justified error of human
behaviour in which man had bestowed upon himself a right to determine the
course of life for the other. It is a history in which being black meant to
carry a burden of a worthless life.
The mental slavery perpetuated by the apartheid state was deliberately
inculcated into the minds of black Bantus, such that Europeans could sustain
inferior and superior relationship between black and whites. The primary
intentions of that exercise was precisely to send a clear message to black
people that human development was not for everyone, but Europeans. These
sentiments finds expression in a well articulated speech of hatred delivered by
the then minister of native affairs who later became Prime Minister, Dr Hendrik
Verwoerd when he said, I quote "Natives must be taught from an early age that
equality with Europeans is not for them."
We raise these historical facts in the context of our resolve to build a
non-racial, non-sexist democratic South Africa wherein young people would be
given necessary recognition by society. It is this history that we derive our
resolve and commitment to build a present that should enable us all to look
back and be proud.
The history we read about Steve Biko is the history of a man who had refused
to submit to the colonial slavery and economic exploitation. It's a history of
a man who had braved the brutal system of apartheid to seek for the mental
liberation of all human beings in general and black people in particular.
This year we celebrate Youth Month under the theme "deepening youth
participation through service" in this regard we are reminded of the youth
parliament that was hosted by the national assembly on 28 and 29 of June 2006.
The Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Honourable Mninwa
Mahlangu notes, I quote "although we have achieved freedom and democracy, we
understand that many among our youth are still economically marginalised and
disadvantaged. Youth constitute about 70% of unemployed people, they lack
skills, they lack work experience and money to be able to establish their own
businesses, either youth-owned or youth managed."
The youth parliament noted with great concern lack of speed in addressing
such challenges as unemployment, HIV/aids, economic participation and skills
development. We raise these issues because we have committed ourselves to
ensuring that all these problems continue to drive our day to day program.
This year we have requested the pleasure of company from our colleagues in
neighbouring states of Southern African Development Community who are present
with us here. We have done so because of our continued and firmly held view
that the development of our country is dependent on the development of the
region and the continent. It is in light of the magnitude of this occasion that
we invited these colleagues. Steve Biko himself was a beacon of hope both in
the region and in the continent.
Through this lecture we seek to launch a youth in social dialogue initiative
so as to facilitate youth participation on such issues as, youth and moral
regeneration, youth and economic participation as well as youth and social
cohesion. It is only when young people themselves decide to own up to the
future of this country, that we can safely speak of a sustainable future. The
current crop of youth leadership clearly does not represent the type of views
society could inspiration. This initiative is solely meant to facilitate that
type of a platform so as to enable free flow of ideas in our country.
The State President in his 2007 State of the Nation Address, had set up some
parameter with regard to what we need to achieve. His mention of the National
Youth Service in what can be arguably referred to as the policy statement was
not coincidental. The president had said I quote, "having surpassed the 10 000
target we set ourselves, we will increase the number of young people engaged in
the National Youth Service by at least 20 000 through 18 of our departments
which have already developed plans in this regard; enrol 30 000 young
volunteers in community development initiatives, and employ 5 000 young people
as part of the Expanded Public Works Programme in the maintenance of government
buildings, intensify efforts to integrate youth development into the mainstream
of government work, including a youth co-operatives programme, and the ongoing
efforts to link unemployed graduates with employment opportunities."
As we celebrate this year's June 16 and Youth Month in general we are
positive of the future, more so because we are aware of our capabilities and
potential. The leadership of different youth organisations represented here
should and must tell us of the lessons we source from the youth of Steve Biko,
Anton Lembede, Nelson Mandela and others. This leadership forming part of the
panel here today in this lecture must respond to such issues as moral
degeneration in the context of these teachings.
The National Youth Commission fully supports this initiative of youth in
social dialogue. We are quite upbeat of the outcomes of such initiatives as
those that are meant to facilitate dialogue. We invite and welcome all young
South African participate into such initiatives and platforms. The
determination of the national agenda should be youth driven. We thank all the
participants as we welcome and give special token of appreciation to all the
senior government officials who have honoured this inaugural lecture as we
launch the youth in social dialogue initiative.
I thank you
Issued by: National Youth Commission
15 June 2007
Source: National Youth Commission (http://www.nyc.gov.za/)
