NYC - NYC Policy

2.0 INTRODUCTION
2.5 Background to the development of youth services
Prior to the democratisation of South African society in the 1990's, youth development occurred within a context of political, social, economic and cultural oppression. This situation contributed directly to many of the current dilemmas young women and men now find themselves in. The apartheid Government did not address the development needs of young men and women as a specific category. The particular needs, challenges or opportunities faced by young people were either ignored, or not considered important enough to warrant more focussed policy or programme interventions.
The non-government sector has been the most active in terms of the history of youth development. In most cases youth development involved political mobilisation and identification within this sector. Many international agencies and foreign countries supported youth services and development through non-government and community-based agencies.
Since April 1994, the Government has undertaken initiatives to address the specific needs of young men and women. The establishment of the National Youth Commission represents a major commitment by Government to treat the needs of this sector in a serious and comprehensive manner. Indeed, the formulation of the National Youth Commission was a direct response to the recommendations of a Youth Summit convened by the Deputy President, Mr T. Mbeki, in December 1994. Representatives of all major youth organisations called for the establishment of a Commission which would serve to highlight the situation of young women and men whilst developing appropriate policies and strategies for intervention. The creation of the National Youth Commission represented a significant milestone for youth development. It highlights the need for Government (central, provincial and local) to work cooperatively with non-government and community sector agencies in the design, implementation and monitoring of youth development programme and services.
In mid-1997 the South African Youth Council was established as a national, representative, non-government organisation of youth organisations. The SAYC aims to develop and empower all young men and women, to provide a forum for youth organisations to contribute to policy and programme development, and to up-hold the democratic rights of the country.