MIDRAND, SOUTH AFRICA – African youths are not competing with the old political guard, said young politicians on the existence of the youth caucus at the Pan-African Parliament currently underway in Midrand, South Africa.
“We are not in competition with our leaders, we appreciate the foundation they laid for us and their efforts to bring the continent to where it is today. This caucus provides the African youth with a platform where they can be part of politics and decision-making bodies,” said Second Vice-President of the Pan-African Parliament Caucus on Youth, Evelyn Nawases-Taeyele.
She was brushing aside notions that the formation of the youth caucus creates an impression that African youth are competing with their elders for political power. Nawases-Taeyele said the caucus is merely to ensure that the youth are included in decision-making bodies as well as cater for the youths’ aspirations.
“Through this caucus, we have clearly proved wrong those who claim that the youth are not included in decision-making bodies on the continent. The fact that African leaders saw a need to have a youth caucus is clear testimony that leaders are ready to provide platforms for the youth to speak out and that efforts are made to create room where problems affecting African youth on a daily basis are addressed,” she said.
Nawases-Tayele, who is among the Namibian parliamentarians attending the sessions, said next Monday has been reserved solely to discuss issues affecting the African youth. Topics that will be deliberated on the day include unemployment and migration, education and skills, peace and security, political participation and health in Africa.
“These are areas that affect our youth on the continent mostly, therefore we have also invited experts so that we can see how we can best help our young people on the continent,” she said.
Plans are well underway to hold a mass meeting in Niger soon where elected youths from member states will meet to pave the way for making sure that when they take up leadership positions they are well groomed and ready to lead future African generations.
The Pan-African Parliament Youth Caucus was formed last year following a motion passed at the continental parliament during its First Ordinary Session of the Third Parliament in October 2012.
Its establishment is also informed by Rule 85 of the Pan-African Parliament, which stipulates that members of African parliaments may form a caucus around issues of common interest as and when they deem necessary.
The youth caucus acts as a bridge to narrow the gap between the youth electorate and their representatives. It also ensures that the Pan-African Parliament is fully informed about the youth’s concerns and that they are included in political debates, and in legislative and decision-making processes of their respective national parliaments.