Chairperson, hon members, as a member of the Ad hoc Committee on the National Youth Development Agency, the IFP had the opportunity not only to make an input but to listen to a plethora of vigorous inputs from South African youth at the public hearings held on Monday and Tuesday.
It is very clear that despite the ongoing youth crisis, a huge segment of our youth is extremely passionate and ready to get involved in issues of youth and economic development in general. I must say, it is unfortunate that the ad hoc committee presiding on this Bill was unable to afford civil society sufficient participation as well as to integrate some of the critical concerns arising from the civil society submissions.
Almost all submissions from youth activists and organisations reflected a kind of institution that would go beyond just merging the National Youth Commission and Umsobomvu Youth Fund, that would give fresh impetus to youth development and above all, its implementation. The word "implement" was the youth catch phrase as everyone is weary of the failures of the National Youth Commission and the Umsobomvu Youth Fund.
Many of our young people are growing up along those roads, between multicoloured houses, in shacks and other vulnerable situations. Therefore, they demanded a well-formulated implementing institution rather than a mere co-ordination agency.
Our own youth in the IFP has been calling for a full-fledged youth ministry to implement youth development and take responsibility for all affairs. Regrettably, instead of outlining how the agency will unfold at provincial and local levels, the final draft of the Bill has totally removed any provisions relating to provinces.
The IFP believes the success of this legislation will depend on how the new agency relates to young people and how the entire government responds to the current economic crisis and gross socioeconomic inequalities in the country as a whole.
Taking note of the above concerns, the IFP recommends this Bill for approval. I thank you. [Time expired.]