Mikateko Benedict Phalane SAYC South African Youth Council Tshwane Regional Chairperson
By Mikateko Benedict Phalane
SAYC South African Youth Council Tshwane
Regional Chairperson
The South African Youth Council (SAYC)in Tshwane, as the apex formation of the youth sector in South Africa and the legitimate voice of young people, takes this opportunity to salute the youth of Tshwane for their active and visionary participation in the recently
convened Tshwane Youth in Council (TYIC).
The TYIC remains a critical and inclusive platform designed to empower young people to engage meaningfully with leadership and contribute to shaping the future of their city.
The recent sitting of the TYIC once again demonstrated the capacity of our youth to engage on complex issues affecting their lives, including unemployment, education, economic
opportunities, leadership development, and public participation.
We wish to place on record our appreciation for the Executive Mayor of Tshwane, Dr. Nasiphi Moya, for her presence and her commitment to advancing youth development.
Equally, we are deeply honored that the event was graced by the presence of the Speaker of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature Hon. Morakane Mosupye.
Their participation not only affirmed the importance of youth engagement in governance, but also sent a clear
message that the voices of young people are valued and must be heard.
Regrettably, despite the overwhelmingly positive and constructive spirit that characterized the TYIC, a small group of individuals who were representing their respective formations arrived with the clear intent to disrupt the proceedings.
These actions were witnessed by all
present.
It is disheartening that at a time when we should be fostering unity and advancing the youth agenda, there are still elements who seek to sow division and chaos.
Even more troubling was the deeply disrespectful and sexist behavior displayed towards women leaders present.
At a time when our country is waging a fight against the scourge of gender based violence, such conduct is not only shameful but entirely unacceptable.
No youth platform should ever be used to degrade women or any leader who contributes to the empowerment of young people.
The youth in Council belongs to all the young people of Tshwane, and must always remain a space where robust but respectful engagement is encouraged. SAYC, as the coordinating structure of the youth sector, will continue to defend this space against any attempt to
hijack it for narrow political purposes or personal agendas.
We call upon all young people to continue participating in the TYIC and other platforms of youth engagement with discipline, integrity, and a spirit of unity.
Our collective task is to build a future where young people take their rightful place in governance and in society at
large.
We must never allow the forces of disruption and division to derail this important
work.
The South African Youth Council remains committed to working with the City of Tshwane, the Gauteng Legislature, and all stakeholders to ensure that the youth voice continues to shape the development of our communities and our province.
The future belongs to those who build not to those who seek to destroy.
“Protecting the Integrity of Our Youth Platforms”