NYC - NYC Policy

2.0 INTRODUCTION
2.3 Definition of a young person ("youth")
The National Youth Policy is directed toward young males and females aged from 14 to 35 years. Young people in this age group require social, economic and political support to realize their full potential. Whilst this definition is broad, encompassing a large slice of one's life, it is understood that this is a time in life when most young people are going through dramatic changes in their life circumstances as they move from childhood to adulthood. It is recognised, however, that there may be some people who fall outside this age range but who may experience similar circumstances to other young people. Thus, this definition indicates the primary target group, without excluding those who may share similar circumstances. Whilst this transition period is characterised by youthful energy, enthusiasm, ambition, creativity and promise, it can also be influenced by uncertainty, fear and alienation. Young men and women may face many challenges and threats which are unique to them as a social group.
It should be recognised that the age range of men and women defined as being youthful is very broad. A person aged 35 years in 1997 was born in 1962 - she or he lived during a period of high political conflict, much of which was expressed in schools. Whilst a young person aged 14 years in 1997, was born in 1983, growing up when many new reforms and achievements of the struggle were being realized. Thus, it is necessary to recognise the different life circumstances and experiences which shape those who comprise this broad age category.
The National Youth Policy also recognises that not all young men and women are the same. Where some are at school or training institutions, others are not; where some young men are employed, others are unemployed. There are young women in rural and urban environments. Whilst some young women and men live with their parents, some do not. Many young women and men are themselves parents, including those who are single mothers. Some young people are disabled whilst others have been the victims of abuse or mistreatment.
The legacy of apartheid affects all young people. However, young black people have borne the brunt of many repressive and constraining policies and, as a result, are facing greater degrees of disadvantage. Thus, the National Youth Policy endeavours to provide a means whereby the development of a wide range of young women and men can be promoted in response to their social or economic circumstances. In addition, the Policy recognises there will be a requirement to segment the age category of "youth" so as to more accurately address the issues of particular groups. For example, the issues faced by males and females aged 16 to 24 years are likely to be quite different than those who are 28 to 35 years.
It should also be recognised that the term "youth" has a range of meanings and connotations within the South African social, cultural and political context. Since the "youth uprising" of 1976 and the subsequent mobilisation of young women and men against apartheid policies and racial oppression, the term "youth" has represented a potent and important element of the political struggle. It has also been used to characterise a segment of the population seen as violent, unruly, undisciplined and underdeveloped. The National Youth Policy recognises the context in which young women and men live is changing rapidly. The challenge is to provide an environment and means whereby the concept of "youth" is re-defined. Young women and men need to find a new place in society; one which enables them to develop fully as individuals and as citizens, where their personal and collective efforts contribute to society and the reconstruction and development of their communities and the country as a whole.
Whilst recognising the historical, political and contemporary uses of the term "youth" in South African society, the National Youth Policy employs the term "young women and men" or, alternately, "young men and women". This terminology emphasises the heterogenous character of the youth sector in a gender-sensitive and inclusive manner. The diversity and uniqueness of young people is emphasised in these terms, rather than encouraging a uniform view of young people.
Finally, when defining a young person it is important to recognise the broader policy environment and the views of other policy documents. The White Paper on Social Welfare (1997), for example, defines a young person as a women or man aged from 16 to 30 years. Whilst the Child Care Act (1983) defines a child as a male or female aged from 0 to 18 years. The National Youth Commission Act (1996), which directs the work of the National Youth Commission, uses the definition contained in this policy (i.e. 14 to 35 years of age). Clearly, there is a need for harmonisation across policies on these matters. The issue of age and the rights given to males and females at certain ages also contains apparent inconsistencies. These matters will be addressed later in the policy.