Youth representatives from civil society, action groups and youth movements attended the caucus
How do South Africa’s young people practically engage with the country’s National Development Plan? How do people under the age of 35 get involved and actively participate in national and provincial policy development and planning?
These were the themes discussed at a youth caucus event held at the Nelson Mandela Foundation on 21 June 2014.
Hosted by Brand South Africa’s Play Your Part initiative, the event highlighted the importance of young people contributing towards achieving a competitive, thriving South Africa – the country of their dreams.
How young people can play their part
Brand South Africa’s Play Your Part is a national movement, currently rolling out on digital and other media platforms, that aspires to acknowledge those playing their part in the country’s development and simultaneously inspire other South Africans to stand up and do something positive.
The project is Brand South Africa’s vehicle to reach civil society and encourage all South Africans to take part, and play their part, in South Africa’s development.
Brand South Africa's Sithe Ntombela
Sithe Ntombela, Brand South Africa Brand Manager, spoke about the importance of young people getting involved as ambassadors for a great South Africa.
“Young people cannot wait for 2030 to voice their needs and what they want to see from their country and its policy – young people need to engage with policy today,” she said.
She encouraged young people in the audience – representatives from civil society, action groups and youth movements – to attend briefing sessions on the National Development Plan, to participate in the Play Your Part programme and to influence friends in their network to also play their part.
The ripple effect
South Africa’s National Development Plan highlights the vision of South Africa in 2030. It lays out, among others, the path to improved employment rates, better education, increased infrastructure development, healthcare for all and improved standards of public service. Brand South Africa encourages young people to set off a ripple effect by sharing their NDP ideas and criticisms.
“Join the debate – read the NDP on www.npconline.co.za, get involved in discussions with cabinet and government; every South African needs to contribute,” she added.
Leigh-Gail Peterson form Brand South Africa
Speaking about South Africa’s reputation as a brand, Leigh-Gail Peterson, researcher at Brand South Africa, asked what defines “South Africaness” for investors.
“According to the Nation Brand Index, culture is one of South Africa’s strengths, while issues relating to governance are challenges we face as a brand. Word of mouth is how people find out about doing business in South Africa, and this is where young people have a key role to play,” she said.
According to the National Perceptions Audit, 82% of youth want to be involved in helping grow a better South Africa, but they don't know how to do so.
Brand South Africa is offering the following platforms for young people to get involved and share their views:
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13 August 2014 @Brand South Africa in Houghton, Johannesburg: Youth research reference group
The discussion will look at content of the NDP that speaks to youth and innovation. The aim of the research session is to formulate key ideas on concrete youth interventions through which the goals of the NDP can be realised.
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4 and 5 November 2014 @Ernst and Young in Sandton, Johannesburg: Plenary session on youth innovation and the NDP
The session aims to debate the role of active citizenship and its role in changing the South African brand reality. The session will explore ideas established in the primary reference group with the goal of a concrete youth agreement.
In closing, Managing Director of Tyathumzi and Play Your Part ambassador Luvuyo Mandela encouraged all attendees to interact with the exhibition space at the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory, calling it a place where young people can interact with Madiba’s legacy and the history of South Africa’s journey.
For young people to envision a future, it is important to know were we came from, he said.