During the recent SADC-PF Plenary Assembly Standing Committee Session held in Johannesburg, October 2025, SAYoF proudly partnered with HIVOS on a regional Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) program. Leading the SAYoF delegation was Honourable Boitumelo Princess Mojapelo, the SADC Youth Parliament representative for South Africa, whose impactful participation highlighted the importance of youth voices in addressing critical issues in SADC.
During a panel discussion, Hon. Mojapelo delivered a compelling youth-voice contribution focusing on pressing SRHR matters, specifically spotlighting alarming rates of teen pregnancy and the ongoing HIV crisis. She advocated for the implementation of rights-based, youth-centered policies, emphasizing the urgent need to address these challenges effectively. A standout feature of the presentation was the introduction of the Triple-P Model: Policy, Practice, and Perception. Hon. Mojapelo reiterated the mantra, “Nothing for us, without us,” highlighting the necessity for youth engagement in policymaking processes.
The session saw active participation from various stakeholders, including Civil Society Organizations, UN Agencies, Members of Parliament, and youth advocates. This collaborative atmosphere fostered rich discussions and a shared commitment to addressing SRHR challenges across the region. The outcomes of the SADC Parliamentary Forum were significant: youth SRHR priorities were amplified within a formal SADC forum, marking a crucial step toward inclusive policymaking, SAYoF’s presence solidified relationships with key stakeholders and opened avenues for new collaborations, and participants gained deeper insights into the processes of protocol domestication and parliamentary oversight, essential for effective governance. SAYoF is amplifying youth voices within SADC following the signing of the MOU with SADC-PF.
Hon. Mojapelo’s participation not only reinforced the commitment of the Regional Youth Parliament to advocate for youth-led SRHR initiatives but also highlighted the essential role of youth in creating a stable and inclusive SADC region. The outcomes of the meeting signify a progressive step toward integrating youth perspectives into regional governance and policy frameworks. As SAYoF continues its partnership with HIVOS, among others, the focus remains on driving policy changes and empowering young people to take an active role in shaping their futures and advocating for their rights within the SADC region.
Recently, HIVOS and SAYoF launched a project titled “Accelerating Access to SRHR for All Ages in the SADC Region,” anchored on the HIVOS broader campaign dubbed #Consent2Access to advocate for improved laws, policies, and practices on the age of consent for adolescent access to SRHR information and services in East and Southern Africa.
