Madam speaker, I rise to table the KwaZulu-Natal Youth Commission Act Repeal Bill, 2009 The Bill has as its purpose the repeal of the KwaZulu-Natal Youth Commission Act, 2005 (Act No. 7 of 2005). The repeal of the Act is in line with the establishment of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) in terms of the National Youth Development Agency Act, 2008, which seeks to coordinate and champion issues of youth development from one consolidated centre.
The former Minister in the Presidency, Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, when she briefed members of the media on the NYDA, made the following point in relation to provincial youth commission structures; “As far as the provincial youth commissions are concerned, government is liaising with the provinces where the responsibility of repealing Provincial Youth Commission Acts resides. These structures will be integrated into the NYDA gradually in order to mitigate the unintended negative effects prevalent in big bang approaches.”
Madam Speaker, on 17 April 2009 the premier of KwaZulu-Natal was requested by the minister in the presidency to initiate this process we are starting today. This is aimed primarily bringing about the repeal of the KwaZulu-Natal Youth Commission Act, 2005. In summary, Clause 1 of the Bill provides the repeal of the KwaZulu-Natal Youth Commission Act, 2005 (Act No. 7 of
2005. Clause 2 provides for transitional arrangements in relation to assets, liabilities, rights and duties of the disestablished KwaZulu-Natal Youth Commission.
Honourable members, since the first democratic general elections in 1994, we have seen young people taking their rightful place in society. They have been instrumental in bringing about peace, tolerance and political stability in this province. With the firm support of young people, this government has been able to heighten the reconstruction and redevelopment of this province. Because of their efforts, government has been able to provide basic services to the most vulnerable members of our communities.
It is encouraging that young people are assisting their communities in their capacities as full time development cadres and volunteers. As we continue to rebuild this province, we understand that any effort would be meaningless if it fails to ensure the involvement of young people. Young people hold the key to the future. No doubt, the newly established National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) as announced by the President of the Republic Jacob Zuma will ensure the greater involvement of young people and will strengthen their participation in socioeconomic development initiatives.
As you might all be aware, the highlight of this year’s Youth Month was the launch and the establishment of the (NYDA) on 16 June 2009 by the president. NYDA was formed out of the merger of the National Youth Commission (NYC) and
Umsobomvu Youth Fund (UYF). The launch of NYDA marked the beginning of advancement of youth development efforts in a coordinated fashion. As a primary custodian of youth development in the country, NYDA will ensure the coordination of guidance and support for youth empowerment initiatives across sectors of society and spheres of government.
One area which this government has been focusing on is entrepreneurship. We are encouraged by the increasing number of young people who have started small businesses and some have organised themselves into cooperatives. With the assistance of NYDA, the provincial government will continue to support youth owned small medium and macro enterprises (SMME) and cooperatives because this is the only way of creating sustainable communities. NYDA is mandated to embark on initiatives that seek to advance the economic development of young people.
More importantly, NYDA is mandated to develop and co-ordinate the implementation of the integrated youth development plan and strategy for the country which will serve as a guiding instrument in advancing youth development at all levels. The process we are starting in this house would facilitate the dissolution of the provincial youth commission which will now be integrated into the provincial structures of the NYDA. Madam speaker I present the KwaZulu-Natal Youth Commission Act Repeal Bill, 2009 to this honourable house.
I thank you.
Mulalo Africa Tshipembe
Contact:
Ndabezinhle Sibiya
Cell: 082 375 4742
Phone: 033 341 3329/031 327 9361
Fax: 033 342 7368/031 301 0336
E-mail: sibiyand@premier.kzntl.gov.za / ndabezinhlesibiya@yahoo.com
Issued by: KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
5 August 2009
Source: KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government (http://www.kwazulunatal.gov.za/)
