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Papers > Youth Inclusion and Culture
By Muzwakhe Alfred Sigundhla
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Introduction
The participation of African Youth in Africa's development is important aspect to be embraced that will guarantee the prospect of development. The new dawn of Africa's evolution towards development is duly centered on investing more to the future. Young people serve as economic cornerstone of Africa's development because they constitute the majority of Africa's population today. The current marginalisation of youth participation in the decision-making processes marks the undemocratic exclusion of the majority of Africa's population and poses a serious threat to social stability and good governance.
According to the African Common Position, Para 6, "We recognize that the future of Africa lies with the well being of its children and youth. The prospect for the socio-economic transformation of the continent rests with investing in the young people of the continent. Today's investment in children is tomorrow's peace, stability, security, democracy and sustainable development."
The United Nations has long recognized that the world's youth are valuable resources for the advancement of societies; indeed, they are often the leaders of social, political and technological developments, as well as dynamic agents of social change. However, if they are to take an active role in combating societal problems, then they must be given the right tools with which to work.
The current National Youth Policies in Africa have not responded effectively in mainstreaming youth participation in economic activities that should reduce youth unemployment. The dismal statistics of Youth unemployment, social marginalisation, HIV/AIDS, Civil Wars and the lack of popular participation in their own governance, affect mostly countries in Africa. It is also a fact that some countries in Africa still lack adequate youth policies. Africa has not yet developed a model for youth participation at the level of the African Union and all its related institutions. This situation has lead to uncoordinated youth policies. However it is noted with excitement that the African Youth Movements are now calling for participatory governance to be reflected in instruments such as an African Youth Charter.
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