According to the spokesperson of the legislature, Carmen Gopane, the purpose of the event is to address challenges facing the youth.

The focus will be on youth living in rural areas in the province. They will be given an opportunity to voice issues affecting them in terms of youth development.

The event - to be held in Kuruman - will also allow the representatives participating in the Youth Parliament to share their perspective on their realities, in their own words, through a platform which encourages young people to advocate for inclusive participation of youth.

Gopane in a statement further says the youth of 2022 bear the fruits of hard-won freedom, yet they are confronted with many challenges that include high unemployment, poverty, disease and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, lack of skills, and limited access to technology.

“The provincial legislature is cognizant that youth have the power to become changes makers; and that they have the ability to change the trajectory of their circumstances and environment and become change agents through their involvement and participation through platforms such as the Youth Parliament and advocating for an active youth citizenry,” said Gopane.

This year’s youth parliament is also expected to focus on the triple pandemics facing the youth: gender-based violence and femicide, suicide and substance abuse.

OFM News