Chairperson, South Africa is a democracy, and we thank God that now our youth's focus does not have to be on tearing down the system, but on building it up. While political parties choose to regard youth as people under the age of 35, they are nevertheless from the age of 18 years, men and women of responsibility and we should expect respect and nurture such a mindset.
The challenges the youth of today face are as important as the challenges youth had faced at any time in history. These challenges will require of them a determination and bravery, second to none. The youth of today should not be expected to walk in the shadow of a past generation. They should be valued for who they are and what they bring to this moment in time.
This year, as we commemorate Youth Day, we turn our focus to youth development in the context of the 2010 Fifa World Cup legacy. Part of the legacy of the Soccer World Cup is to extend the benefits to the whole continent. It should not only be experienced by ourselves as the host nation.
Imperative in carrying this legacy forward is the upright stature of Africa's youth; they will set the tone for the future of the African continent.
Fifa's Football for Hope movement, which uses the game for social change will involve youth from 50 organisations in 35 countries, chosen not for their skill on the pitch, but for their contribution to social change in disadvantaged communities. They will be playing football, but without a referee. Any disagreements between the teams will be resolved through, I am told, dialogue. They will tackle issues of ethnic violence in Israel and Palestine, environmental pollution in the slums of Kenya, HIV/aids education in South Africa, landmine education in Cambodia and a gang culture in Ecuadore - off the pitch, we imagine!
The ACDP wishes this ground-breaking event taking place in Alexandria during the final week of the 2010 Fifa World Cup every success. We, however, as footballers and as those who have participated in this game of life, have found through experience that referees can be very useful in minimising potential damage.
In everyday life, a "referee" can be a policeman, a judge or even one's own self-discipline and conscience; and these qualities are best nurtured within a family environment.
The ACDP wholly agrees with the Youth Development Month message, and calls on society to strengthen relationships within families to create a safe and caring setting that enables young people to have more positive and healthier lifestyles.
Youth development in South Africa is everyone's responsibility, including young people themselves and no amount of rhetoric can replace hard work and integrity. Young people, who have broken free from poverty and distress, have done so with the help of an attitude and determination to succeed.
These are the moral values which will ensure that the youth of today are best placed to build a caring society and extend the legacy of the Fifa World Cup to benefit our neighbours and the whole of the African continent. Feel it, it is here, South Africa. I thank you. [Applause.]