Hon Deputy Chairperson, hon members, the recent elections showed that the youth of South Africa is dynamic, opinionated and energetic. The youth have claimed their space in our society, and in doing so have made a significant contribution to democracy in our country.
Hon Deputy Chairperson, the topic of this debate sounds very good on the ear, but can the youth celebrate a vibrant voice under such trying circumstances? The ID believes that we must use their inspiration, abilities and energy to help us build South Africa's tomorrow. However, for this to happen, government must do its part.
The ID welcomes the establishment of the National Youth Development Agency to tackle economic issues, the consolidation of the youth agenda under the Presidency, and the establishment of the Department of Women, Youth, Children and People with Disabilities.
We call on government to ensure that these initiatives do not end up being as dysfunctional as the National Youth Commission and to investigate incentives for businesses that employ the youth as first-time job seekers. These interventions will go a long way in equipping our youth with the necessary skills and experience which will make them more employable in the future.
The daily challenges facing our youth and the barriers in the way of their advancement must become a central focus of this government. The ID would like to see government focus not only on the economic challenges that affect the youth, but also on social issues, sports and recreation, as well as the human development challenges that hinder their progress.
The youth still has the highest infection rate of HIV and Aids, and many continue to be affected by deaths in the family and the resulting burden of heading households on their own. There continues to be a huge lack of sports and recreation facilities that results in idleness amongst our youth, which results in too many of them choosing a life of crime and drugs. We hope that the new government will focus on these challenges with the urgency and importance they deserve.
The ID applauds the fact that greater attention has been focused on admission into tertiary institutions in terms of transformation, but as long as so many black students are not completing their studies, transformation will never have the result we would like to see.
In conclusion, the ID would like the government to look into implementing more integration programmes to bridge the many divides that exist within our tertiary institutions. I thank you. [Applause.]