These councils will exist to represent the views of young people at a local level by giving young people the opportunity to have a voice, to discuss relevant issues, engage with decision-makers and contribute to improving the lives of young people within their communities, he said.
The councils were meant to bring development opportunities to the areas where young people live. Bhebhe added that the initiative would play a major role in reversing the legacy of marginalisation suffered by young people.
Through the delivery of their functions and work programmes, these local youth councils will seek to champion the well-being, rights and participation of young people by supporting the development of effective youth policies at local governance.
He said the council would enable young people from that area to have influence within their communities. The activities of the youth council, according to Bhebhe, were meant to complement the work of the main councillors and not compete with or replace them.
They shall exist solely for the purpose of bringing to the attention of the main councillors in particular and the local authorities in general, the concerns of young people at a local level, Bhebhe said.
Post published in: News