Programme Director
Vice Chancellor of UNISA – Professor Mandla Makhanya
Minister in The Presidency – Mr Jeff Radebe
Members of the media
Ladies and gentlemen
When the brave young martyrs of June 16, 1976 and the young lions of the 1980’s took to the streets in defiance of apartheid laws, they asserted their quest for a non-racial, non-sexist, free and democratic South Africa. This was a period in South Africa where our youth activities was characterised as youth activism. Youth work was a foreign concept and was not part of our lexicon.
As events in our country unfolded leading to the ushering of our democracy in 1994, we were exposed to the wide array of youth development realising that youth activism was a part of the overall youth development approach. We began to understand the concept of youth work and the necessary role that it plays in youth development.
We were exposed to youth work as a developmental concept in the UK, Australia and the Caribbean. We saw the need to professionalise youth work in South Africa as part of our effort to give the noble profession recognition and stature.
The problems and challenges that South African youth face are complex, multi-dimensional and cross cutting. Well trained and professional youth workers are key to helping young people navigate these problems to find success in their lives.
Throughout this period, we noted the efforts of the Commonwealth Secretariat as one of the few multi-lateral agencies that were advancing the youth work agenda.
We are thankful that we can partner with the Commonwealth Secretariat in hosting the 2nd Commonwealth Conference on Youth Work (CCYW). This conference has become an important platform to facilitate recognition of youth work as a profession.
In support to this, South Africa recently hosted a very successful National Youth Work Indaba, on 19-20 January 2016. This Indaba was held with senior officials from national, provincial and local government, civil society and various institutions of higher learning.
They reflected on the previous resolutions taken regarding youth work and consolidated South Africa’s position ahead of the 2nd CCYW. Speakers and participants shared experiences, creating a rich learning community. The necessity of access to quality education, as a foundation for the youth work profession was emphasised. The Indaba also recognised the need to develop an evidence based body of knowledge for the youth work profession.
Of importance to note, is the discussion on employment and placement of skilled youth workers in all government spheres, civil society and the private sector. However, the Education and Training Institutions were also urged to apply Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), to accredit youth workers who have a wealth of experience in the field.
There is also a need strengthen the professional association of youth workers for a collective advocacy voice for the profession. This association will therefore ensure that a code of ethics is adhered to. Youth workers can also be registered on a comprehensive database, that they receive continuous professional development in occupations for which the career paths of youth work are outlined, and are held accountable by their peers.
In this way youth work will become a solid practice in South Africa just like other comparable professions.
The South African government commits itself again in facilitating professional recognition of youth work. Our National Youth Policy 2020 notes the inadequate framework that currently exists for youth work today.
Our youth policy promotes the professionalisation of youth work as a core component to strengthen our youth development efforts. Our National Development Plan 2030 targets an increase in workers within the social service professions including youth workers.
And so we are ready, with our partners, the Commonwealth Secretariat, the University of South Africa (Unisa) and the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) to host a successful international conference and shine the spotlight on the youth work profession. We owe this to all our young people, and those youth work professionals who have made it their life-calling, to journey with, support and empower them.
I thank you.
