THEMBALETHU – Passionate voices, bold demands, and a call for action echoed through Thembalethu Community Hall on Saturday, June 07, 2025, as young people from across Mpumalanga gathered for the highly anticipated 2025 Youth Parliament.
Hosted by the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature under the Thembisile Hani Local Municipality, the session brought together energetic young leaders from various political parties and communities. They came not only to celebrate Youth Month, but to challenge their government, reflect on progress made, and voice their frustrations about issues that continue to affect them, from education and employment to inclusion and accountability.
The Youth Parliament, envisioned as a platform for meaningful dialogue between the province’s youth and its leaders, turned into a lively exchange of praise and criticism, promises and demands, and hopes for a better future.
Tebogo Ntuli, Chairperson of ActionSA’s Mpumalanga Student Chapter, was among those who expressed disappointment at how the event unfolded.
“The Youth Parliament is not just a formality. It’s a chance for leaders to answer questions and listen to our concerns. What happened here was disrespectful and irresponsible,” he said.
Ntuli added that ActionSA is demanding answers from the Speaker of the Legislature and is calling for additional sittings to make up for what he described as missed opportunities for genuine engagement.
However, not all voices shared the same tone. Winny Nonhlonipho, Deputy Chairperson of the ANC Youth League in Mpumalanga, highlighted past gains as signs of progress.
“We were part of making the University of Mpumalanga a reality, and we helped create the Mpumalanga Youth Development Fund. These changes have opened doors for many young people,” she said. Still, she made it clear that these achievements are just the beginning.
“We need new campuses in Mkhondo, Victor Khanye, and Thembisile Hani municipalities. Access to education should not depend on where you live,” she added.
Premier Mandla Ndlovu addressed delegates with key announcements aimed at youth empowerment. He committed that 30% of government procurement contracts would be allocated to youth-owned businesses to increase economic participation.
He also promised a fair and transparent distribution of the Youth Development Fund across all districts in the province.
“Mpumalanga is the only province in the country where the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) has offices in every municipality,” he said, highlighting the province’s dedication to youth-focused development.
Guest speaker Malusi Gigaba, Co-Chairperson of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence, delivered a motivational address, urging young people to take charge of their future.
“If the youth want democracy, they must live it. Don’t wait for the future to come — shape it now,” Gigaba said. The day, filled with spirited debates, hopeful aspirations, and moments of tension, ultimately reinforced the importance of platforms like the Youth Parliament, spaces where young people can speak out, be heard, and hold leadership to account.
