This year in parliament was not only good for young people because of the presence of a youthful party like the EFF but there were also several policies adopted that we think you, as the youth, should care about. Here are four:
The National Youth Plan Policy
What is it?
This policy aims to decrease youth unemployment by more offering internships in government departments as well as helping to finance youth-owned companies.
Why should you care?
The policy’s main mandate is to decrease youth unemployment which currently stands at 62%. The policy policy’s “Second Chance Programme” also allows learners who failed matric to re-enrol, receive free tuition and rewrite their matric exams.
What’s next?
The policy was signed by Minister for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Jeff Radebe in August.
Maintenance Amendment Bill
What is it?
The Maintenance Amendment Bill seeks to punish those who do not pay their child support. Under the law, offenders could face up to three years in jail or be blacklisted for not paying papgeld.
Why should you care?
You should care because not only will someone become a criminal offender for failing to pay child support, but they will also be blacklisted thus preventing them from finding work.
What’s next?
The bill has been signed into law by President Jacob Zuma.
National Liquor Policy
What is it?
The national liquor policy wants to change trading hours for places that sell alcohol. It also looks to change the legal drinking age from 18 to 21. The policy will also require places that sell alcohol be located at least 600 meters away from schools, churches and residential areas.
Why should you care?
One of the motivations of the bill is to discourage young people from drinking especially after a 2013 study found that half of the country’s teens actually drink alcohol.
What’s next?
The Bill has been put out for public comment for interested and affected parties to also have their say.
Sexual Offenses Amendment Act
What is it?
The criminal law amendment act seeks to ensure that sex between two consenting adolescents, between the ages of 12 and 16, not be regarded as a sexual offense.
The Bill decriminalises any adolescent who have consensual sex.
Why should you care?
It’s detractors have suggested that it could lead to an increase in teen pregnancy. It’s supporters have argued that the Bill gives children the right to fully explore their sexual development.
What are your thoughts? Tweet us or drop a comment on our Facebook page.
Live from Parliament casts a youth lens on parliament and government, covering committees, policy-making, MPs, and the sitting of actual Parliament. Our team of youth journalists report Live from Parliament every week in partnership with the People’s Assembly and Making All Voices Count.
The People’s Assembly connects people and their elected representatives. To stay in touch with your local MP, visit www.pa.org.za, follow them on Twitter @PeoplesAssem_SA or Facebook/PeoplesAssemblySA.
