NYC - NYC Programme

BACKGROUND TO THE NATIONAL YOUTH POLICY
With some 39 per cent of South African society aged between 14 and 35 years, young people clearly comprise a substantial part of South African society. However, due to the policies of past governments, a significant number of young women and men have not been afforded the opportunity to develop their full potential. They have experienced poor housing conditions, limited and racially biased access to education and training, limited employment opportunities, high levels of crime and violence and a general disintegration of social networks and communities. In addition, the previous government did not develop any specific policies or programmes to address the needs of young women and men.
The democratisation of South African society has offered many new opportunities and challenges to previously disadvantaged groups. Young women and men are, in particular, recognised as a vital resource whose future prospects are inextricably tied to that of the country as a whole. As President Mandela put it in May 1994, "youth are the valued possession of the nation. Without them there can be no future. Their needs are immense and urgent. They are the centre of reconstruction and development."
The National Youth Commission was established and inaugurated on 16 June 1996 by President Mandela. The Commission has been established through the National Youth Commission Act (1996) as a part of the Government's plan to develop a comprehensive strategy to address the problems and challenges facing young women and men in South Africa. The National Youth Policy represents a major and historical milestone in youth development and is an expression of the Government's commitment to the full development of all young women and men. Through this policy an environment is created where all stakeholders in youth development can work toward common goals and a better South Africa for all.
When preparing the National Youth Policy the National Youth Commission under took an extensive process of consultation with youth organisations, sectored groups, provinces as well as young women and men themselves. Through the participation of these groups in the policy formulation process, the National Youth Policy was designed to address the major needs, challenges and opportunities of young men and women, accommodating provincial variations and specific sectored issues.
In adopting the National Youth Policy the Government of the Republic of South Africa not only acknowledged the value and significance of its young people; it has also reflected international experience which demonstrates the need for a comprehensive and holistic national youth policy providing a framework and focus for youth development by all stakeholders.
The National Youth Policy provides a framework for youth development across the country. It ensures all young women and men are given meaningful opportunities to reach their full potential, both as individuals and as active participants in society. The Policy addresses the major concerns and issues critical to young men and women and gives direction to youth programmes and services provided by government and non-government organisations. Through the National Youth Policy, the Government declares the importance of the active involvement of young people in national development, demonstrating the distinctive and complementary roles of all Government ministries, the non-government sector and youth groups in youth development; providing a framework with common goals for development and promoting a spirit of cooperation and coordination.
All of South African society will benefit through the implementation of the National Youth Policy. By placing young people in the broader context of reconstruction and development the National Youth Policy highlights the importance of youth development to nation building and the creation of a democratic, productive and equitable society.
Young women and men are not only a major resource and inheritors of future society, they are also active contributors to the nature of society today. The National Youth Policy recognises and values young women and men as a key resource and national asset and places their needs and aspirations central to national development. It provides a foundation and mechanism for youth participation in socio-economic development whilst recognising that young people should be protagonists of their own development and not merely recipients of state support. It enables the Government to give priority to youth development and to display its commitment to national youth development through the creation of appropriate policy implementation mechanisms and the allocation of sufficient resources. The Policy should sensitise Government institutions and civil society toward youth development and acknowledge the initiatives of young men and women.