This morning, we launched the Youth Month programme of Parliament under the theme, "Youth at the Centre of Economic Opportunities". We could not find any place to locate young people, only in the mainstream economy, engaging with the opportunities presented before them. Throughout the month, Parliament will provide a platform to encourage young people, through active debate and engagement, to take part in shaping the country.
We are excited that Youth Parliament will be done differently this year, as we are about to conclude the fourth Parliament. We are taking the Youth Parliament to the youth out there. We are going to have a young people's assembly, where young people will engage on issues that affect them. [Interjections.] Parliament has to ensure that the youth continue to play a critical role in social transformation, reconstruction and development in the postapartheid era. South Africa has a youthful population. This presents an opportunity to boost economic growth, increase employment and reduce poverty.
Our biggest challenge remains the fact that millions of young people are disengaged from both education and work.