The National Youth Policy seeks to ensure a coordinated and holistic response by all stakeholders involved in youth development programmes and activities to the major issues facing young men and women. This requires the establishment, maintenance, collaboration and coordination of institutions engaged in youth development, including those which directly or indirectly affect the services, opportunities and capacities of young women and men. This will involve the three levels of government as well as the wide range of non-government institutions.

The National Youth Policy provides a framework for partnerships with government structures across national, provincial and local lines. This includes the following structures:

The Government of the Republic of South Africa is responsible for the establishment and support of the following institutions:

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:

• to coordinate and develop an integrated National Youth Policy;
• to 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;
• to develop principles and guidelines and make recommendations to Government regarding such principles and guidelines for the implementation of the National Youth Policy;
• to coordinate, direct and monitor the implementation of such principles and guidelines as a matter of priority;
• to 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;
• to promote uniformity of approach by all organs of state, including provincial governments, to matters relating to young women and men;
• to 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;
• to 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
• to 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.

Whilst the mandate of the National Youth Commission has been broadly defined by the Act, the National Youth Policy identifies five key areas of priority for the Commission. These are:

1 MONITORING

The National Youth Commission shall perform a vigilant role in monitoring youth development programmes and services. This will include central government departments as well as provincial and local governments. It will also include a monitoring of the non-government and community-based youth sector. This monitoring is important to ensure the needs and interests of young people, and the specific target groups of young people identified in the National Youth Policy, are addressed by these agencies.

2 RESEARCH AND POLICY DEVELOPMENT

The lack of accurate, current research on a wide range of youth development needs has become sorely apparent in the process of formulating the National Youth Policy. Thus, the Commission will, as matter of priority, design a strategy to ensure the current gaps in youth research are addressed. This strategy will be formulated in close consultation with the CSS and various research institutions.

An outcome of this research will be the development and refinement of youth policies – particularly policy which is directed to specific sectors (e.g. health, employment) and target groups (e.g. rural young people, young women, young men and women living and working on the streets).

Research and development should include relations with other African and international organisations (e.g. the United Nations, the Commonwealth Youth Programme and the Organisation of African Unity). This will involve international liaison and participation in international and regional youth networks, such as the proposed SADC Youth Council.

3 ADVOCACY

As a consequence of its monitoring, research and policy work, the National Youth Commission shall advocate on behalf of young women and men, and specific target groups, for relevant programmes, services and facilities. It shall also promote youth participation in decision-making and the governance of a wide range of government, parastatal and non-government organisations.

4 CAPACITY BUILDING

The limited capacity to effectively plan, establish and manage youth development programmes and services is apparent in many development organisations and government departments. The Commission will work with other key stakeholders (e.g. South African Youth Council and other NGOs) to address this limitation. This will involve the provision of information (including a guide on best practice in youth development), training programmes, human resource development and the development of networks. It will also involve the facilitation and mobilisation of financial resources for capacity building.

5 COORDINATION AND FACILITATION

Finally, the Commission will promote the coordination of youth development services and, where possible, will facilitate the creation of youth development programmes and initiatives.

It is envisaged the coordination and facilitation will, at times, require the Commission to test or pilot particular initiative or programmes. Thus, the National Youth Commission will promote innovative youth development initiatives.

An Inter-Departmental Committee on Youth Affairs shall be established and chaired by the National Youth Commission to coordinate government programmes, develop a consolidated Youth Budget, oversee programme implementation and integrate programmes across departmental lines. Key responsibilities of this Committee are to:

• coordinate a comprehensive national framework of Government services, programmes, research and initiatives affecting young women and men across all relevant Government departments;
• monitor, review and evaluate Government policies, programmes, legislation and expenditure affecting young men and women; and
• facilitate collaborative programme planning, implementation and review across all relevant departments.

In fulfilling its mandate, the Committee shall perform the following functions:

PLANNING – the Inter-Departmental Committee on Youth Affairs shall provide a platform for programme planning across departmental portfolios and shall provide an opportunity for the design of new innovative and successful approaches to programmes aimed at young men and women. This shall include the production of a guide for best practice in youth programme design, implementation and monitoring.

COORDINATION – the Inter-Departmental Committee on Youth Affairs shall provide a means for the design, implementation and review of well coordinated, complementary and harmonious departmental programmes which affect young women and men.

REVIEW AND EVALUATION – the Inter-Departmental Committee on Youth Affairs will develop common and agreed upon measures for the quantitative and qualitative review and evaluation of youth-oriented programmes and services.

FINANCIAL PLANNING AND EXPENDITURE – the Inter-Departmental Committee on Youth Affairs shall establish a systematic process for financial planning and expenditure on programmes related to young women and men and shall, where ever possible, maximise the use of existing resources (e.g. by facilitating cost-sharing or joint initiatives) whilst reducing duplications. In addition, a National Youth Budget Report shall be compiled each year outlining Government expenditure on youth-oriented programmes across departmental portfolios.

The Committee will meet at least twice a year, however, it is likely that it shall meet more often when programme planning is undertaken. The National Youth Commission will chair the Committee and will act as its secretariat. The National Youth Policy provides a basis on which Government departments can respond to youth development and on which the Inter-Departmental Committee shall structure its activities. Twice a year departmental representative will be required to report to the Committee on current and planned departmental policies, programmes, services and activities which affect young women and men. This should include the following details:

• name of policy, programme or service;
• purpose or rationale for the policy, programme or service;
• connection between the policy, programme or service and the National Youth Policy;
• target specificity (i.e. targeted to young people or people of all ages);
• anticipated outcomes of policy, programme or service;
• financial expenditure;
• outcomes achieved to-date; and
• any issues related to the policy, programme or service (e.g. unresolved problems, successes, gender focus).

Membership of the Inter-Departmental Committee on Youth Affairs shall consist of representatives from all relevant Government departments whose activities have a direct impact upon young men and women. Each department represented on the Committee will be required to create within its own organisational structure, a Youth Focal Point. This will be an officer, appointed by the Director General of the relevant department, who has sufficient seniority and understanding of the overall functions and activities of the department so as to represent it on the Inter-Departmental Committee on Youth Affairs. The Youth Focal Point will report on those activities of the department which relate to the National Youth Policy and will work with other Committee members to promote a whole-of-government response to youth development in South Africa.

The National Youth Commission shall establish an Inter-Governmental Committee on Youth Affairs. This Committee will monitor the work of provinces in:

• developing 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;
• establishing structures and programmes which respond to the needs, opportunities, aspirations and potential of all young women and men in the province;
• creating partnerships with national, provincial and local youth development agencies to develop and maintain facilities which can be used by young men an women; and
• establishing mechanisms for continued consultation with the youth sector within the province as well as nationally.

The role of provincial governments in these matters is described in further detail below, see 9.1.2.

Provinces will be requested to report to an Inter-Governmental Committee on Youth Affairs. This Committee will be convened and chaired by the National Youth Commission and shall be comprised of senior representatives of youth service agencies located in provincial governments.

The National Youth Commission shall create a specific team of experts and youth and Government representatives to review the wide range of laws affecting young women and men. Specifically, this team will be required to review those laws which ascribe rights to young men and women according to their age. This includes, for example, the ages at which young women and men are allowed to marry, consent to sex, vote, enter into contractual agreements, carry fire arms, obtain a driver's license, become employed, purchase alcohol and tobacco, as well as the age at which a young person becomes responsible for criminal activities.

The Youth Law Review Team shall comprise the following members:

• National Youth Commission (which shall convene and chair meetings of the Youth Law Review Team);
• Department of Justice;
• South African Youth Council;
• South African Law Commission;
• Human Rights Commission; and
• any other appropriate experts or organisational representatives.

In addition to its permanent members, the National Youth Commission shall invite specific representatives to participate in Youth Law Review Team discussions when the topic is appropriate. For example, the discussions on the age of sexual consent may involve the Departments of Health and Education, as well as appropriate non-government organisations.

The Youth Law Review Team will address the following tasks:

• survey the legislative environment relating to the ages affecting young men and women and the areas of concern, as defined above;
• identify inconsistencies or gaps in the legal framework;
• undertake consultations with relevant groups in relation to these issues; and
• prepare and promote a policy and legislative response to these issues through a formal Green Paper – White Paper process.

It is anticipated the Youth Law Review Team will take one year to complete these tasks after which it will be disbanded.

Acknowledging the context in which provinces endeavour to address the issue of youth development, the National Youth Policy promotes collaborative efforts which share a common framework and competencies for national and provincial youth development. Provincial governments shall work in partnership with the National Youth Commission in achieving the directions and strategies of the National Youth Policy. Within a national youth development framework described by the National Youth Policy and taking into account the views, needs and aspirations of young women and men at the provincial level, provincial governments will be encouraged and supported in their efforts to address the challenges of youth development.

All provincial governments shall be required to fulfil the following functions in regards to the development of young women and men:

• To develop provincial youth development policies which identify the major needs, challenges, aspirations and opportunities facing young women and men, and to develop a comprehensive policy response within the framework provided by the National Youth Policy.
• To establish structures and programmes which respond to the needs, opportunities, aspirations and potential of all young women and men in the province. Such initiatives should complement and support national visions, goals and strategies, whilst recognising provincial variations.
• To work in partnership with national, provincial and local youth development agencies to develop and maintain facilities which can be used by young men an women.
• To establish mechanism for continued consultation with the youth sector within the province as well as nationally.

In addition, the National Youth Commission shall work with state institutions to support the efforts of the provinces in this regard. In particular, this support shall involve the provision of:

• INFORMATION on youth development issues, strategies and methodologies, youth research, programme resources, and best practice approaches to youth development;
• TRAINING AND CAPACITY BUILDING so that workers with young men and women are better able to deliver effective youth programmes and services;
• MONITORING AND REVIEW of all provincial youth policies, programmes and services; and
• ADVOCACY in conjunction with provincial authorities to address issues related to government policies, programmes, and resources.

Local government is the most direct level of government affecting young men and women. It provides essential services and along with a mechanism for promoting leadership, policy planning and development efforts. Mechanisms should be designed for the creation of youth services and facilities at the local level and the role local governments can play in identifying youth needs and development opportunities, designing youth development services and working with local youth organisations is extremely important. The National Youth Policy recognises the integral role of local government and traditional leaders should play in rural areas when pursuing youth development objectives.

Whilst the financial constraints and limited tax base of many local governments is recognised, it is essential that local government identify and address the issues facing young women and men. There are many roles local government can play in the development of young residents. These include:

• To institutionalise youth development in local government settings, for example through the establishment of Standing Committees on Youth Affairs as a means of informing and sensitising council on the needs of young women and men and to make proposals for local youth programmes and services.
• Creating mechanism for young people to understand the issues of governance at the local level. Local government must ensure that it develops participatory and inclusive approaches to youth development, ensuring that the most disadvantage young people (i.e. young women, young black men and women, and young women and men with disabilities) are closely involved in these processes.
• Engaging local youth organisations in development programmes and campaigns (e.g. Masakhane).
• To identify needs for local facilities required for youth development (e.g. multi-purpose youth centres) and to form alliances with other levels of government, the private sector, donors and local youth development organisations address these needs through the establishment of appropriate facilities.

As a minimum requirement however, all local governments are required to fulfil the following essential functions in regards to the development of young women and men:

• to nominate an elected Councillor (preferably from the Executive Authority of Council) and a senior staff member who shall take responsibility for overseeing Council's youth development policies and activities;
• to undertake an audit of youth programmes, services and organisations located in the local area;
• to identify priority needs and opportunities facing young women and men and their development;
• to identify any specific target groups of young women and men which require particular attention;
• to identify the roles Council can play in addressing the needs, opportunities and target groups identified above; and
• to establish permanent mechanisms for participation by young women and men, or their representative organisations, in the planning and decision-making of Council.

The National Youth Commission in conjunction with the Ministry of Constitutional Development and Provincial Affairs shall monitor and assist local governments in their endeavours to promote development amongst their young residents by:

• requiring local governments to report to the Commission on the manner in which they are meeting their obligations to youth development;
• preparing a local government resource kit on ways to address the issues of youth development; and
• developing a resource and information kit on the feasibility, establishment, roles and management of multi-purpose youth centres.

Non-government institutions refers to those youth, research, resource, civil, political, cultural, sporting and recreational organisations which are not directly connected to government. By and large, these organisations are represented in the youth sector by the South African Youth Council (SAYC). The National Youth Policy recognises the role non-government organisations have played and will continue to play in youth development. Furthermore, the role of the SAYC in representing the non-government youth sector is recognised. The role of the South African Non-Government Organisation Coalition as a broad coalition of a wide range of NGOs is also noted.

The SAYC operates as an autonomous, non-partisan representative body of young women and men in civil society. Its mission is to develop and empower all South African youth, provide a forum for all youth organisations and service providers to contribute to youth policy and monitor its implementation and uphold democratic values as enshrined in the Constitution and Bill or Rights of the Republic of South Africa.

Civil society’s role in youth development requires recognition and resources. It is only through a strong and well-resourced civil society that participation in the development and the promotion of youth development policies and programmes can occur. The support for essential operating costs of the South African Youth Council as the peak national youth development organisation of the non-government sector represents a commitment by government to the promotion of a sustainable and effective civil society.

The National Youth Policy recognises the need for financial support and capacity building within the non-government sector. In pursuit of this, the National Youth Commission shall liaise with the non-government sector, principally through the SAYC, to identify resource needs and the possibility of government, private sector and donor support.

A framework for action over a specific timeframe 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.

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:

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.

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).

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)

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.

• Timeframe

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.

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 popularise 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.

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.

The success of the National Youth Policy is the responsibility of the whole society. As this policy is the first of its kind for South Africa, it represents a launching point for a holistic, integrated and coordinated approach to youth development. Whilst the target of the National Youth Policy is young women and men, the beneficiaries are the whole society.

Whilst the individual strategies of the National Youth Policy address specific areas of need or opportunity, the overall goals and objectives of the policy provide a framework for broader development. The overall impact of the policy will be assessed according to the following indicators of effectiveness:

• improvement in qualitative and quantitative indicators related to key priority strategy areas (e.g. unemployment, health);
• increases in youth participation in youth development programmes and in society more generally;
• improved coordination and cooperation between the stakeholders of youth development;
• enhanced commitment by government, as evidenced by greater financial commitment (demonstrated in the Youth Budget); recognition of the importance of youth issues; the setting of targets; greater awareness and resource allocation by various ministries; and the creation of new institutions and services;
• improved equity and access for youth target groups identified as disadvantaged; and
• increased awareness in society of youth issues as evidenced by increased participation and support and more media focus on young people.

The effective implementation of the National Youth Policy can only be achieved if all sectors of society recognise the importance of youth development and the role they can play. The National Youth Policy sets the direction for this work - it is now up to the whole country to work in this direction and to invest in the development of all young women and men.

The National Youth Policy makes use of a collection of specific terms which relate to young women and men and youth affairs. These terms are defined below.

"Arts" refers to, but is not restricted by, all forms and traditions of dance, drama, music, theatre, visual arts, crafts, design, written and oral literature all of which serve as a means for individual and collective creativity and expression through performance, execution, presentation, exhibition, transmission and study. (Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology, 1996)

"Civil society" refers to all institutions and organisations outside of Government, including youth organisations, trade unions, social organisations, non-government organisations, community-based organisations, religious bodies and various community groups.

"Community-based organisation" (CBO) refers to organisations or associations which are not-for-private-profit, voluntary bodies, owned and managed by a defined community, usually a locally defined community.

"Culture" refers to the dynamic totality of distinctive spiritual, material, intellectual and emotional features which characterise a society or social group. It includes the arts and letters, but also modes of life, the fundamental rights of the human being, value systems, traditions, heritage and beliefs developed over time and subject to change. (Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology, 1996)

"Disability" is a term which reflects South Africa's acceptance of the United Nations' Rules on the Equalisation of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities and is using them as a point of departure for planning inter alia policies and service provision.

"Family" a family is defined as individuals who, either by contract or agreement, choose to live together intimately and function as a unit in a social and economic system. The family is the primary social unit which ideally provides care, nurturing and socialisation for its members. It seeks to provide them with physical, economic, emotional, social, cultural and spiritual security. Various forms and structures of a family are acknowledged.

"Further Education and Training" Further Education and Training (FET) has been defined by the Department of Education as a means of providing mid-level skills which lay the foundation for higher education and entry into the work force. FET, which incorporates senior secondary schooling, education and training in colleges and a range of other training programmes, promotes an integrated approach to education and training; one where the holistic needs of students are met whilst promoting active citizenship as a means of democratising society.

"Governance" refers to the right to participate in and make decisions with regard to local, provincial or youth affairs. Politically accountable and participatory governance is critical to the democratisation of the state and society.

"Heritage" is the sum total of wildlife and scenic parks, sites of scientific and historical importance, national monuments, historic buildings, works of art, literature and music, oral traditions and museum collections and their documentation which provides the basis for a shared culture and creativity in the arts. (Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology, 1996)

"Higher Education and Training" Higher Education and Training (HET) accommodates those students who are engaged in degree, diploma or certificate courses.

"Learnership" This term is used extensively by the Department of Labour in its Skills Development Strategy for Economic and Employment Growth. It refers to "a mechanism to facilitate the linkage between structured learning and work experience in order to obtain a registered qualification which signifies work readiness."

"National Qualifications Framework" The new National Qualifications Framework (NQF) sets the environment in which education and training is designed and delivered. Within this framework, the Department of Education has undertaken a series of policy and programme initiatives to address the imbalance and irrelevance of the education system inherited from the former government. Curriculum 2005 was launched in January 1997 as a new national curriculum which is outcome-based and oriented towards the promotion of life-long learning.

"Non-government organisation" (NGO) refers to not-for-private-profit bodies which, despite being supported by Government on occasions, are not run by Government and are concerned with the betterment of society and the public interest. NGOs are private, self-governing, voluntary organisations.

"Young person" refers to males and females aged from 14 to 35 years. Young people in this age group require social, economic and political support to realise their full potential. Whilst this definition is broad, encompassing a large slice of one's life, it is understood that this is a time in life when most young people are going through dramatic changes in their life circumstances as they move from childhood to adulthood. Young men and women may face many challenges and threats which are unique to them alone. Note, however, the White Paper on Social Welfare refers to a young person as a male or female aged 16 to 30 years.

"Youth development" refers to a process whereby young women and men are able to improve their skills, talents, and abilities, as well as to extend their intellectual, physical and emotional capacities; it includes the opportunity for young men and women to express themselves and to live full lives in all social, cultural, economic and spiritual spheres. Youth development also refers to engaging young women and men in development activities as participants in the decision-making processes and as beneficiaries.

"Youth empowerment" refers to the process of increasing personal, inter-personal and political power to enable young women and men or groups of young people to improve their life situation. It requires the full participation of young men and women in the formulation, implementation and evaluation of decisions determining the function and well-being of the society.