Youth leaders accuse govt of shutting them out of decision-making

JOHANNESBURG - Youth leaders have accused government of shutting them out of decision-making, warning that South Africa’s future is at risk without stronger representation.

The call came at the two-day National Convention in Pretoria, which brought together civil society, community organisations and prominent dignitaries to lay the groundwork for a countrywide national dialogue.

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Delegates also voiced frustrations about how the convention was run, including problems with accreditation, errors in presentation slides, and venues that were not disability friendly.

But many said the real test will be the selection of a citizen-led steering committee to represent key sectors - including youth, health, HIV and AIDS, and the environment.

National Representative Council of Learners (RCL) president Sandra Ntotole Letshabela said, “It is a fact that can never be changed in history that the government is ineffective and corrupt. How are we, as the youth, supposed to trust these people with this very same dialogue?

“Right now, we have raised so many issues, but the only thing that was alive there on top was unity. How is unity going to solve the issue of unemployment? How is unity going to solve the issue of inequality? The only thing we need right now, is effective leadership in the government.”