Central SA
New Free State speaker advocates for youth parliament – VIDEO─── KEKELETSO MOSEBETSI 06:52 Thu, 27 Jun 2024
“We need to look into how we can bring young people to be actively involved, not only in parties but in shaping the future going forward.”
The former Free State premier and now speaker of the provincial legislature has outlined the importance of youth participation and empowerment in the provincial legislature.
On Wednesday (26/6), at the Fourth Raadsaal in Bloemfontein, Mxolisi Dukwana was officially announced as speaker.
‘We are a province with a very young population’
His nomination by Premier MaQueen Mathae went unopposed, marking a significant leadership transition in the province. Alongside him, Nolitha Ndungane was named deputy speaker, Thabo Meeko, former Destea MEC and Acting MEC for Social Development, became the new chair of chairs, and former ANC provincial spokesperson Oupa Khoabane, was appointed chief whip for the 7th administration.
Speaking to OFM News, Dukwana underscored the importance of involving young people in legislative processes to address the rapidly evolving and increasingly complex world.
“We are a province with a very young population,” Dukwana said. “Therefore, we need to look into how we can bring young people to be actively involved, not only in parties but in shaping the future going forward.”
Dukwana's vision includes the establishment of a youth parliament, a platform designed to ensure that young people can raise issues directly affecting them and engage with the government. He said he believes that this is a more effective approach than merely having a committee that deals with youth issues as an afterthought.
He emphasised the need for modern communication technologies to reach out to communities across the province, ensuring that the voices of the youth are heard and acted upon.
Dukwana said he planned to meet with representatives from various political parties to understand their aspirations for the legislature and how they can contribute to its mission. Additionally, he intends to engage with management to comprehend their perspectives and align them with his vision for an inclusive and responsive legislative body.
Dukwana’s appointment follows the resignation of Ntombizanele Sifuba, who stepped down shortly after being reelected as speaker to take on the role of Free State MEC for Sports, Arts, and Culture.
