Youth and government discuss progress and technology at 2025 Youth Parliament
The 2025 Youth Parliament emphasised the importance of youth participation in the implementation of past resolutions and the tracking of progress in developmental community initiatives.
This was reiterated by a member of the National Assembly, Malusi Gigaba, who was one of the speakers at the two-day event held on Friday, June 6 and Saturday 7, at Thembalethu Community Hall.
'This is an opportunity for the people of Africa to shake off the divisions of the past and chains of colonialism to build a future for the youth. Our people need to stop thinking as former colonists and victims and act as one. All we have achieved now is political freedom. We need to take charge of the forces of production and create opportunities within the African continent. In addition, to benefit from the innovations of the Fifth Industrial Revolution, we need to equip our children with the skills and knowledge required for the future economy, such as coding, robotics, and entrepreneurship as educational cornerstones,' Gigaba said on Saturday.
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The parliament was hosted by the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature (MPL) under the theme 'Making Follow-up on Government Commitments'.
In line with this theme, the legislature focused on providing solutions to the challenges faced by the youth in the province through engagements with provincial government, while encouraging public participation.
Some of the issues discussed included youth development funding, education and the upcoming local government elections. Special attention was given to G20 priorities, objectives and opportunities as well as the development of the African continent.
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The Mpumalanga premier, Mandla Ndlovu, along with the MPL speaker, Lindi Masina, and members of his executive council attended the Youth Parliament on the Saturday to engage with the youth.
Various members of the legislature and provincial departments engaged with attendees on the Friday.
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