10.0 IMPLEMENTATION MECHANISMS
A framework for action over a specific time frame and mechanisms for policy implementation and review will be established as soon as possible. Such a framework shall identify the strategic functions of the agencies outlined in Chapter 9. In addition, there may be other organisations identified or proposed by the National Youth Policy (e.g. research agencies) to ensure successful implementation and review of the policy.
10.1 National Youth Action Plan
As a matter of priority it is important that a National Youth Action Plan is formulated to accompany the National Youth Policy. The National Youth Action Plan shall be designed as a cooperative expression of all key government and non-government agencies concerned with youth development. The National Youth Action Plan shall build upon the goals and objectives of the National Youth Policy and demonstrate a holistic and synergistic response of all relevant agencies to the needs of young men and women. The plan shall clearly define the specific actions that will be undertaken; when they will be undertaken and by whom. It will also indicate what resources will be required to effectively undertake these actions. Such a document shall clearly state expected outcomes and the performance indicators through which effectiveness will be assessed.
The National Youth Action Plan will recognise the key groups involved in youth development, as described in Chapter 9, and ensure they are integrated into its overall structure and scope of work. Thus, there should be three components to South Africa's National Youth Action Plan:
10.1.1 Strategic Plan of the National Youth Commission
The National Youth Commission will be required to develop a Strategic Plan which outlines the following:
- purpose, aim and objectives of the National Youth Commission;
- guiding principles;
- priorities and functions of the National Youth Commission (as defined by the National Youth Policy);
- strategies - containing a description of the strategy; personnel engaged on strategy; other stake holders and agencies involved; strategy budget; and performance indicators of success;
- overall strategic budget; and
- management and review procedures.
The Strategic Plan will be based upon the National Youth Commission Act (1996) and the National Youth Policy.
10.1.2 Programme Plan of the Inter-Departmental Committee on Youth Affairs
The Inter-Departmental Committee on Youth Affairs, described in Chapter 9, will be required to prepare a programme plan. A proposed structure for programme development, which should be closely aligned to the objectives and directions of the National Youth Policy, are outlined below (see 10.1.4).
10.1.3 Programme Plan of the Non-Government Sector
The non-government sector performs an important role in the design, implementation and evaluation of youth programmes and services. The South African Youth Council, as a central and representative non-government youth formation, should be engaged by the National Youth Commission in the preparation of the National Youth Action Plan. Specifically, this should required the preparation of a programme plan. A proposed structure for programme development, which should be closely aligned to the objectives and directions of the National Youth Policy, are outlined below (see 10.1.4)
10.1.4 Structure for programme planning
The following structure for programme development by the Inter-Departmental Committee on Youth Affairs and the Non-Government Sector is as follows:
- Specific policy objective
Each policy objective in the National Youth Policy should be clearly identified with a specific set of actions (i.e. programmes, projects or strategies) assigned to it. Thus, the policy objectives provide the rationale for each action.
- Programmes, projects and strategies
Initiatives may take the form of formal programmes, individual projects or specific strategies. They represent a set of actions which, when implemented, will help achieve policy goal(s) and objectives. These should be described in detail to demonstrate how they will work to address objectives of the national youth policy.
- Action steps
This involves a detailed description of the actual activities and tasks that will be undertaken to implement the programme, project or strategies. Action steps represent the "to do" list regarding successful implementation of the strategy.
- Target group(s)
Each action will be directed at a specific group. These groups need to be clearly identified (e.g. young women and men with disabilities, out of school youth, etc.).
- Expected outcomes
It will be necessary to describe the outcomes that will be anticipated from these actions i.e. what will the action achieve.
- Responsible agency
The agency responsible for the overall implementation and coordination of the action should be identified. This may be a government or non-government agency.
- Support agencies
Whilst one agency may hold responsibility for the coordination and implementation of the action, there may be a number of other agencies involved. These should be identified.
- Time frame
It is necessary to indicate when the action will occur and over what period of time.
- Resource implications
Each action will require resources, be they finance, personnel, equipment, support management, supervision or buildings. These should be clearly quantified.
- Performance indicators
Each action should have a set of performance indicators that can be used to evaluate and monitor the degree of success. These indicators need to be measurable within the time period of the action.
10.2 Policy implementation
The implementation of the National Youth Policy will involve the major stakeholders identified in Chapter 9. The National Youth Commission has been mandated by Government to coordinate and design the National Youth Policy and "an integrated national youth development plan", the Commission's role is largely one of policy, research and advice to Government on youth affairs in South Africa. The role of the National Youth Commission in respect of policy implementation shall be to:
- promote and popularize the National Youth Policy;
- ensure government and non-government structures are established and developed for effective policy implementation;
- ensure policy adherence through the design of key performance indicators and mechanisms for regular reviews and report-backs;
- establish cross-sectoral networks.
Essentially, the Commission's role is one of facilitation, coordination, monitoring, advocacy and promotion.
The National Youth Action Plan shall be developed by the National Youth Commission and will recognise the key stakeholders involved in implementation and ensure they are integrated into its overall structure and scope of work. Furthermore, the Plan will promote practical responses to local and community interests and plans, rather than simply providing a centralised "top-down" perspective.
10.3 Policy monitoring and review
The National Youth Commission shall be responsible for the review of the National Youth Policy through consultation with key agencies and beneficiaries. In general the National Youth Policy should be reviewed every three years, although there may be specific policy sectors which should be reviewed more frequently (i.e. every two years).
When monitoring and reviewing the National Youth Policy the National Youth Commission will be particularly mindful of the manner in which the policy has:
- instilled in all young women and men an awareness of, and respect for, the principles and values enshrined in the Constitution and a clear sense of national identity;
- recognised and promoted the participation and contribution of young women and men in the reconstruction and development of South Africa;
- enabled young men and women to initiate actions which promote their own development and that of their communities and broader society;
- developed an effective, coordinated and holistic response to the major issues facing young men and women; and
- developed families and communities which are supportive of young women and men, presenting positive role models whilst promoting social justice and national pride.
Beyond an assessment of these broad themes, the review process shall focus on the specific objectives and strategies of the National Youth Policy. It will also involve a re-evaluation of the major goals and objectives of the policy along with the identified strategies. The performance indicators of each strategy, which will be outlined in the National Youth Action Plan, will be used as a clear and unequivocal instrument of assessment.
Finally, the policy review process should include a review of the role and performance of the National Youth Commission in regards to the National Youth Policy.
