NATIONAL YOUTH COMMISSION
NATIONAL YOUTH COMMISSION
Government of the Republic of South Africa
Office of the Deputy President
National Youth Commission
STRATEGY PLAN
DRAFT FOR APPROVAL BY THE NYC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
(2 JUNE 1998)
16 JUNE 1998
Government of the Republic of South Africa
Office of the Deputy President
NATIONAL YOUTH COMMISSION
STRATEGY PLAN 1998-1999
16 June 1998
National Youth Commission
17th Floor
Poynton Building
124 Church Street
Pretoria 0001
South Africa
Telephone: (012) 325 3702
Facsimile: (012) 324 4759
CONTENTS
Backgroundx
Strategic planningx
Visionx
Missionx
Guiding principlesx
Strategic goalsx
Summary of strategiesx
Strategy detailsx
Appendicesx
IStrategy management: Anticipated outcomesx
IIStrategy management: Responsibility structuresx
IIIStrategy management: Inputs requiredx
BACKGROUND
The National Youth Commission was established in June 1996. The roles and responsibilities of the Commission have been described by Government in the National Youth Commission Act (1996). In general, the objectives of the National Youth Commission are:
ïto coordinate and develop an integrated National Youth Policy;
ïto develop an integrated national plan that utilises available resources and expertise for the development of young women and men which shall be integrated with the Reconstruction and Development Programme;
ïto develop principles and guidelines and make recommendations to Government regarding such principles and guidelines for the implementation of the National Youth Policy;
ïto coordinate, direct and monitor the implementation of such principles and guidelines as a matter of priority;
ïto implement measures to redress the imbalances of the past relating to various forms of disadvantage suffered by young men and women generally or by specific groups or categories of young people;
ïto promote uniformity of approach by all organs of state, including provincial governments, to matters relating to young women and men;
ïto maintain close liaison with institutions, bodies or authorities similar to the National Youth Commission in order to foster common policies and practices and to promote cooperation;
ïto coordinate the activities of the various provincial government institutions involved in youth matters and to link those activities to the integrated National Youth Policy; and
ïto develop recommendations relating to any other matter which may affect young men and women.
The National Youth Commission is made up of 19 members who were nominated through a public process and appointed by the Parliament. Five of the members serve in a full-time capacity representing young women and men across the country. Five of the part-time members also represent national interests, whilst the remaining nine part-time Commissioners represent the nine provinces.
The National Youth Commission is based in the Office of the Executive Deputy President. The Deputy Minister in the Office of the Executive President has political responsibility over the National Youth Commission.
STRATEGIC PLANNING
This Strategic Plan of the National Youth Commission has been developed by the Commission to clearly describe its programme of work over the next 12 to 36 months. The Strategic Plan has its roots in the National Youth Commission Act (1996) and the National Youth Policy (1998). The plan covers a three year period, being the period of the National Youth Policy, although greater detail and attention has been given to priorities and strategies of the Commission in the forthcoming 12 months.
VISION
The vision of the National Youth Commission is a future for all young women and men of South Africa which promotes a democratic, non-sexist, non-racist, united, peaceful and prosperous society where young people can enjoy a full and abundant life enabling them to become active participants in activities which fulfil their potential, hopes, dreams and ambitions and are able to participate fully in economic, social, cultural, spiritual and political life.
MISSION
The mission of the National Youth Commission is to coordinate and promote the development of young women and men through the design and implementation of a holistic and integrated National Youth Policy and a national youth development plan by ensuring inter-ministerial, inter-sectoral and inter-governmental collaboration, for the advancement of young people through the involvement of all stake holders.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
The following principle guide the activities of the National Youth Commission:
ïINTEGRATION OF YOUTH ISSUES
Integrating youth development into overall national development processes and goals by making youth development central to policy formulation and decision making. Youth development should be recognised as an important mandate for all government agencies, non-government organisations and development institutions.
ïGENDER INCLUSIVE
The National Youth Commission promotes a gender-inclusive approach to the development of young women and men, where the socialising influences of gender, the impact of sexism and the particular circumstances of young women are recognised.
ïYOUTH CENTRALITY
The design and implementation of youth policies, programmes and services should be youth-centred.
ïEMPOWERING ENVIRONMENT
The National Youth Commission works toward the creation of an environment which supports the continued life-long development of young men and women and their skills and capacities.
ïYOUTH PARTICIPATION
The National Youth Commission promotes the participation of young women and men in the democratisation and transformation of society at all levels.
ïEFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS
The National Youth Commission works to make full and efficient use of its resources whilst maximising the effectiveness of its efforts on the lives of all young men and women.
ïRESPONSIVENESS
The National Youth Commission responds to the needs, challenges and opportunities experienced by young women and men in a realistic and participatory manner.
ïTRANSPARENCY AND ACCESSIBILITY
The National Youth Commission will operate in a transparent and accountable manner and encourage this behaviour among other institutions and organisations involved in youth development whilst ensuring these bodies are accessible to young women and men.
ïPROVINCIAL DIVERSITY
The National Youth Commission recognises the diversity of situations and experiences among young women and men across different provinces and seeks to ensure all policies, programmes, structures and activities of the Commission reflect and respond to these variations.
STRATEGIC GOALS
The National Youth Commission has developed the following strategic goals for the period of this strategic plan:
1COORDINATION AND FACILITATION
To promote the coordination of youth development services and facilitate the creation of youth development programmes and initiatives.
2MONITORING
To monitor the design, implementation and impact of government and non-government policies and programmes upon young women and men.
3ADVOCACY
To advocate on behalf of young women and men, and specific youth target groups, for relevant programmes, services and facilities.
4RESEARCH AND POLICY DEVELOPMENT
To oversee and coordinate research into young men and women in South Africa and the development of youth-oriented policies and programmes.
5CAPACITY BUILDING
To strengthen the capacity of the youth sector to enable it to effectively plan, design and manage youth development programmes and services and to facilitate and mobilise financial resources for capacity building.
6PUBLIC AWARENESS
To raise the profile of young women and men in South Africa and their experiences whilst highlighting the work of the National Youth Commission and other youth development organisations.
STRATEGIES
The following strategies have been designed by the National Youth Commission to in pursuit of the above mentioned goals. These are described according to the goals they have been designed to address.
SUMMARY OF STRATEGIES
COORDINATION AND FACILITATION
Strategy 1.1Support to the inter-departmental committee on youth affairs
Strategy 1.2Inter-governmental liaison on youth affairs
Strategy 1.3National youth information service
Strategy 1.4National youth service programme
Strategy 1.5National youth employment programme
Strategy 1.6HIV/AIDS programme
Strategy 1.7Coordination with civil society
Strategy 1.8National youth policy implementation
MONITORING
Strategy 2.1Youth budget
ADVOCACY
Strategy 3.1Parliamentary advocacy
RESEARCH AND POLICY DEVELOPMENT
Strategy 4.1Base-line research into young women and men
Strategy 4.2Youth law review team
CAPACITY BUILDING
Strategy 5.1Human resource development programme
Strategy 5.2Best practice guide
Strategy 5.3Donor mobilisation programme
PUBLIC AWARENESS
Strategy 6.1Paul Johnson to provide details
Strategy 6.2Paul Johnson to provide details
Strategy 6.3Paul Johnson to provide details
Strategy 6.4Paul Johnson to provide details
STRATEGY DETAILS
COORDINATION AND FACILITATION
Goal 1:To promote the coordination of youth development services and facilitate the creation of youth development programmes and initiatives.
Comment:The Commission promotes the coordination of youth development policies and programmes and, where possible, facilitates the creation of youth development services, initiatives and facilities. The coordination and facilitation of programmes, services and facilities does, at times, require the Commission to test or pilot particular initiatives or programmes. Thus, the National Youth Commission promotes innovative youth development initiatives which may be initiated by the Commission and then transferred to an appropriate agency or institution.
STRATEGY 1.1:SUPPORT TO THE INTER-DEPARTMENTAL COMMITTEE ON YOUTH AFFAIRS
Description:The Inter-Departmental Committee on Youth Affairs has been established in 1997 to:
(i)coordinate a comprehensive national framework of Government services, programmes, research and initiatives affecting young women and men across all relevant Government departments;
(ii)monitor, review and evaluate Government policies, programmes, legislation and expenditure affecting young men and women;
(iii)facilitate collaborative programme planning, implementation and review across all relevant departments;
(iv)provide a forum for IDC members to become more familiar with contemporary issues facing young women and men in South Africa; and
(v)monitor programmes designed to support the career development young men and women employed in the public service.
Anticipated
outputs:Programme plan for 1998/1999 prepared (June 1998).
Guide on government youth programmes and services launched (June 1998).
Programme plan for 1999/2000 prepared (June 1999).
Second edition of guide on government youth programmes and services launched (June 1999).
Required inputs:Funding ñ see attached budget.
Ministerial support for IDC programme plans.
Strategy
management:The IDC shall be convened and chaired by a commissioner of the NYC. The Policy and Programmes Directorate shall provide logistical and secretarial support.
Commissioner responsible: Ms Moira Marais-Martin.
Performance
indicators:The following indicators shall be used to assess the successful implementation of this strategy:
ïnumber of Central Government departments regularly participating in IDC meetings;
ïcompliance by Central Government departments to the IDC programme plan;
ïreview report on IDC activities to assess effectiveness of IDC;
ïannual production and distribution of the Guide to Government Programmes.
STRATEGY 1.2:INTER-GOVERNMENTAL LIAISON ON YOUTH AFFAIRS
Description:The National Youth Commission shall establish and maintain a regular liaison on inter-governmental activities in youth affairs. Quarterly meetings or forums will be conducted by the Commission to share the work of provinces in:
ïdeveloping provincial youth development policies which identify the major needs, challenges, aspirations and opportunities facing young women and men within the framework provided by the National Youth Policy;
ïestablishing structures and programmes which respond to the needs, opportunities, aspirations and potential of all young women and men in the province;
ïcreating partnerships with national, provincial and local youth development agencies to develop and maintain facilities which can be used by young men an women; and
ïestablishing mechanisms for continued consultation with the youth sector within the province as well as nationally.
The Premierís Forum will be addressed by the National Youth Commission to seek involvement of all relevant departments, as will Provincial Director General Forums.
Anticipated
outputs:The structure, provincial representation and functions of these liaison activities will be described in a detailed concepts paper (July 1998).
An annual work plan of provincial meetings will be prepared (September 1998).
Audit on provincial youth development policies, programmes and initiatives conducted (December 1998)
Workshop on provincial youth policy imperatives and programme planning guidelines conducted (March 1999)
Production of a booklet on provincial youth development activities (June 1999).
Required inputs:Funding ñ see attached budget.
Strategy
management:The process will be managed by the NYC (Policy and Programmes Directorate). Provincial Youth Commissioners will ensure provincial participation.
Commissioner responsible: Ms Moira Marais-Martin.
Performance
indicators:The following indicators shall be used to assess the successful implementation of this strategy:
ïestablishment of quarterly forums;
ïnumber of forums and meetings held;
ïpublication of information on what provinces are doing in regards to youth development;
ïparticipation of provinces in meetings and workshops; and
ïextent of provincial-based policies and programmes for youth development designed and implemented.
STRATEGY 1.3:NATIONAL YOUTH INFORMATION SERVICE
Description:The National Youth Information Service is a new service to young women and men which will be piloted by the NYC. It contains the following three elements:
1web site and on-line data base;
2ìYouth-Lineî telephone information and referral service; and
3handbook on youth services and programmes.
This information service will contribute to the development and empowerment of young women and men by providing accurate, relevant and useful information which address the issues they face. The first year of this strategy will involve information on a limited scale so as to properly test and determine the appropriate forms and mechanisms for information provision.
Anticipated
outputs:The pilot information service (containing the web site and on-line data base and ìYouth-Lineî) to be launched on 16 June 1998.
Review of information usage and data-base relevance (November 1998).
Business plan and funding proposals prepared for continued operation of service (December 1998).
Sustainable management structure established (March 1999).
Required inputs:Funding ñ see attached budget.
Funding proposal to raise additional funds.
Strategy
management:The NYC will develop a shared management approach to the information service. A management board will be created and chaired by the NYC. This board shall employ a Project Coordinator who will supervise and coordinate the work of other staff and volunteers.
Commissioner responsible: Mr Max Van Der Wath
Performance
indicators:The following indicators shall be used to assess the successful implementation of this strategy:
ïlaunching of web site and Youth-Line;
ïnumber of visits to the web-site;
ïnumber of calls to the Youth-Line.
STRATEGY 1.4:NATIONAL YOUTH SERVICE PROGRAMME
Description:The National Youth Service combines the following four themes:
ïdevelopment ñ where the skills and capacities of young women and men can be employed on projects and activities which promote development in South Africa;
ïskills training ñ an opportunity for young people to gain new experiences and develop new skills which will benefit them later in life;
ïnational unity ñ where young women and men from all walks of life are given the opportunity to work together with a spirit of reconciliation and national unity;
ïservice ñ where young people and the country as a whole benefit through volunteering their services for the benefit of the broader community.
National Youth Service accommodates the needs, interests and opportunities of three target groups: out-of-school and unemployed young people, graduates of higher education, and de-mobilised young people and young returnees.
The creation of an effective National Youth Service programme will involve a range of different Government departments, provincial administrations, local governments, the private sector, NGOs, trade unions, professional bodies, along with a range of youth development organisations and other role players. The NYC will prepare a detailed Green Paper on a National Youth Service Programme. This paper, which will be developed in close consultation with key stakeholders, such as those identified above. This detailed strategy paper will lay the basis and direction for a the establishment of this programme.
A Technical Team shall be established to oversee consultations and preparation of Green Paper and White Paper process.
Anticipated
outputs:Technical Team established (June 1998).
Establishment of an ad hoc committee to receive the White Paper on the National Youth Service Programme (August 1998).
Green Paper prepared and distributed for comment (November 1998).
National Summit on the National Youth Service Programme held (December 1998).
White Paper prepared and submitted to Cabinet (March 1999).
Accredited training modules prepared (April 1999)
Pilot programme launched (May 1999).
Required inputs:Technical team to provide expert and technical advice.
Funds ñ see attached budget.
Strategy
management:The Technical Team will manage the consultation and development process and report to the Policy and Programmes Directorate of the NYC which will provide logistical and secretarial support to the Technical Team.
Commissioner responsible: Ms Mahlengi Bhengu (Chairperson).
Performance
indicators:The following indicators shall be used to assess the successful implementation of this strategy:
ïnumber of youth organisations and government departments consulted;
ïproduction of Green and White Papers;
ïnumber of young women and men expressing an interest in participating in the programme;
ïincrease public understanding and acceptance of the principles of the programme;
ïlegislation passed;
ïpilot programme launched; and
ïreport prepared on the consultation process.
STRATEGY 1.5:NATIONAL YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMME
Description:The National Youth Commission will coordinate a series of activities which address the critical problem of unemployment amongst young women and men. This will be done by forming partnerships with key stake holders, providing practical information and support to young men and women, and promoting coordinated and collaborative efforts by all relevant agencies.
Specifically, the National Youth Employment Programme will entail three key elements:
1Youth Clearinghouse ñ providing information to unemployed and out-of-school young men and women on employment and training opportunities.