Speech by Ms Pat Lebenya MP
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National Assembly Cape Town: 21 June 2007 Madam Speaker:I can hardly believe it was only one year ago that I was here to participate in the Youth Parliament. Well, talk about a week being a long time in politics. What about a year! I am delighted that the whole month of June is now designated as youth month to consider our progress in fulfilling the agenda of June 16 1976. As a representative of the youth, I stand not only for dreams, but for ambitions and aspirations. I believe that this is the true living message conveyed to us by the heroes of June 16 1976. The chief aspiration at the time was freedom from oppression. The South African youth today enjoy the fruits of political liberation, but, at the same time, face the challenges of a diverse and growing young population at a time when a large number of them are living in poverty. Considerable numbers of our young people are growing up in a climate of uncertainty and fear. Their prospects for healthy development are dramatically compromised by HIV/Aids and other preventable diseases. Their formative years are under threat. That is why today, I, once again, call upon government to establish a dedicated Ministry for Youth. South Africa, as we all know, is a study in contrast and complexity. The IFP understands this perhaps better than most other organisations on our country's political scene. We are pragmatists who believe in the virtues of self-help and self-reliance. That is why we have always promoted workable solutions to all challenges, from liberation to HIV/Aids. Our actions and responses have always been consistent with core pragmatism and the evidence about what really works. I believe in deliberate strategies to promote healthy youth development. We believe in young people's own capacity to reduce the risky behaviours that threaten adolescent well-being. This is not about a deliberate killjoy approach to self-sacrifice. It is about personal responsibility. It is about morality. I believe we can increase the likelihood of our young people growing up as caring, capable adults by providing opportunities for the development of skills, competencies and positive experiences with involved adults who have high expectations in life and a positive attitude toward youth. I believe that for our youth, our families, our communities and our congregations are providing the essential nutrients required to thrive in life. The crucial ingredients are caring, capable families; effective, safe schools; efficient social networks of understanding and competent adults; and welcoming community organisations that provide opportunities for fun, recreation and meaningful contribution by and for the youth. It was once said: "Some see things as they are and say why. I dream of things that never were and say why not". In order to materialise their dreams, I believe that our youth require access to the resources and opportunities that will not only allow them to imagine wonderful possibilities for themselves, but to pursue them with the encouragement, vigour and effective guidance of everyone around them. I thank you. |