Former president Nelson Mandela’s great-grandson Mayibuye Mandela has penned a letter to Speaker of the National Assembly Thoko Didiza suggesting a debate on the creation of a youth Parliament.
Mayibuye has also proposed that the youth Parliament should be located within the National Assembly and should be funded by the Ministry of Women, Children and People with Disabilities.
Mayibuye states in a letter shared with the Saturday Star: “On behalf of the Melisizwe Mandela Foundation and the young people of South Africa, I am writing to propose a formal debate in the National Assembly on the establishment of a Youth National Assembly in South Africa.
“This proposal aims to enhance youth representation in our legislative processes and is a step toward a more inclusive democracy.”
In the detailed letter, Mayibuye proposed an amendment to Section 42 of the South African Constitution to establish a Youth National Assembly.
“This would involve the rigorous legislative process of approval by two-thirds of the National Assembly and six of the nine provinces in the National Council of Provinces.
“We request that the position of Minister of Youth be closed, as the current holders of this post have consistently failed to identify with the youth of South Africa. The budget allocated to the Ministry of Youth should be redirected to fund the Youth National Assembly.
“This reallocation will ensure that the budget directly benefits the youth and empowers them through a structure that truly represents their interests,” he said
He suggested a reassessment of MP salaries to support the funding of the Youth Assembly. This requires amendments to the “Remuneration of Public Office Bearers Act and approval by the National Treasury and Parliament.
“The Youth National Assembly should be integrated into South Africa's proportional representation framework. This body would serve as an advisory entity, reflecting the interests and perspectives of the youth,” he wrote.
He said in accordance with Section 59(1)(a) of the Constitution, which states "the National Assembly must facilitate public involvement in the legislative and other processes of the Assembly, and its committees".
Mayibuye added: “We exercise our right to participate in legislative discussions and request a meeting with the relevant parliamentary committees to present and debate this proposal… We also propose that this discussion includes representatives from the Melisizwe Mandela Foundation.
“The Foundation's commitment to youth empowerment and development aligns with the goals of the proposed Youth National Assembly. Their insights and collaboration would be invaluable in shaping this initiative.
“We believe that the establishment of a Youth National Assembly and the reallocation of the Youth Ministry budget are crucial steps towards fostering inclusive governance and ensuring that the voices of young South Africans are heard in legislative processes.
“We urge the Parliament and the youth of South Africa to consider this proposal seriously and to facilitate a discussion in Parliament, including representatives from the Melisizwe Mandela Foundation,” he concluded.
Saturday Star
mashudu.sadike@inl.co.za