Hon. Angela Nokubatha Dube, representing the Southern Africa Youth Parliament (SAYP) for Persons with Disabilities, delivered a compelling address at the 57th Plenary Assembly of the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF). The event, held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, highlighted the critical role of youth engagement in shaping the region’s future.
In her speech, Hon. Dube expressed gratitude to SADC-PF for fostering meaningful youth participation in regional policy processes. She acknowledged the mentorship of SADC-PF Secretary General, Her Excellency Boemo Sekgoma, who also serves as Patron of the Youth Parliament, and emphasized the collaborative efforts that have enabled young people to contribute to public hearings, committee sessions, and plenary assemblies. These engagements, she noted, have strengthened the institutional capacity of the Youth Parliament and amplified youth voices in legislative reviews.
Hon. Dube highlighted key milestones in the partnership, including joint campaigns, intergenerational dialogues, and the establishment of a Youth Academy to nurture emerging leaders. She also recalled the Youth Parliament’s maiden address at the 56th Plenary Assembly in Livingstone, Zambia, where young sculptor Zenzo Muzamba of Zimbabwe presented a handcrafted artwork to former Namibian Parliament Speaker, Hon. Prof. Peter Katjavivi.
Despite these achievements, Hon. Dube underscored persistent challenges facing Southern Africa’s youth, including unemployment, unequal access to education, health disparities, and limited political representation. She called on SADC member parliaments to prioritize youth-centered legislation, implement quotas for youth in decision-making bodies, and invest in skills development and entrepreneurship programs. Additionally, she urged stronger health systems to address mental and physical well-being and inclusive platforms for youth participation in governance and peacebuilding.
In closing, Hon. Dube reiterated the Youth Parliament’s commitment to collaboration and innovation, urging accelerated efforts toward a SADC Protocol on Youth to harness the region’s demographic dividend. Her address reinforced the need for coordinated action to empower young people as key drivers of sustainable development in Southern Africa.
