Chairperson and hon members, it gives me great pleasure to stand here today on behalf of the DA and address this House during this celebration debate on Youth Day.
In 1976, we saw the greatest acts of bravery shown by any generation for the liberation of our country. Young people stood up, united and said, "This far, but no further". Although I was not born in 1976, it is thanks to the bravery of those young men and women that I enjoyed the education that I did and that I stand before you here today in a democratic and free Parliament.
One of the messages that I would like to bring to this debate today is the importance of the youth vote. Too many people died to give us the right to vote for us not to exercise this right. Our debt of gratitude for the bravery and self-sacrifice can only be repaid by us, the youth of South Africa, by being responsible democrats and voting in our country's election. Your vote does count, your voice is strong, and your country does need you.
The youth of our country face many problems and many dangers. Unemployment and crime are but two of the dangerous problems we face on a daily basis. However, the biggest scourge facing our youth today is human trafficking.
When I was asked to explain to a group of young teenagers what human trafficking is, my description was this: It is modern-day slavery, be it for sexual purposes, forced labour, to repay debt, or in some cases, for the harvesting of human organs. Human trafficking is the sickest that our society can be. It is the absolute worst form of human behaviour. How do we stop it? By standing up and repeating the words of 1976, "This far, but no further".
Many South Africans have questioned our lack of law regarding human trafficking. I am relieved that Parliament has tabled the human trafficking law. Although it is disappointing that this law took so long to be drafted and tabled, we cannot, as responsible legislators, rush through this law.
It is of paramount importance that the law is clear, concise and implementable. Although the worry exists that human trafficking will occur during the Fifa World Cup, the reality is that human trafficking occurs on a daily basis. We, as Members of Parliament, have to draft legislation to protect our people every day, not just during the World Cup.
We do, however, take comfort in the fact that existing legislation, including the Sexual Offences Act and the Children's Act, will assist officers of the law to take action against those taking part in human trafficking. We thank organisations including the International Organisation for Migration and other safe houses for assisting the victims of human trafficking.
It does, however, remain our responsibility to keep our youth safe. Although it can be an uncomfortable topic, speak to children about the dangers of human trafficking. Let them know what lies can be told to lure them away from areas of safety.
Encourage outings in groups, as opposed to boys or girls walking around alone. Ensure that young boys and young men understand that human trafficking does not only affect girls and women - all young people are vulnerable.
Human trafficking does not only occur when people are smuggled in or out of our country. It happens within our borders. For example, a person could be kidnapped in Limpopo and human trafficked to KwaZulu-Natal or to Gauteng; we must be aware and ready to take action.
The government must make sure that information is distributed widely, indicating who to contact if you suspect human trafficking is happening or become a victim yourself. Let us live by the mantra, "Your sister is my sister, your brother is my brother and your child is my child". Together, as South Africans, let's look after each other. Let us protect each other and safely grow our youth into tomorrow's future, today. I thank you. [Applause.]