Mbabane: The Ministry of Spots Culture and Youth Affairs has begun stakeholder consultations for the youth bill.
This is in line with the constitution that for any policy before being enacted into a law it must first go to the people for further consultations.
Public consultation is a formal process which public authorities use to seek information and views from individuals and organizations on an existing or proposed policy, law or decision. It involves a two- way flow of communication between public authorities and the public.
The consultations started with the Hhohho Region, and meetings are held at the Sibane Hotel at Ezulwini from 6 -7 October, 2020 and was officially opened by the Minister of Sports Culture and Youth Affairs Harries “Madze” Bulunga.
About a month ago the minister launched the national youth policy of 2020. Speaking during the official opening Bulunga said both the policy and the bill once passed into an act will help bring comprehensive coordination of the youth sector in Eswatini.
“All these form part of Government’s efforts towards addressing the challenges faced by our young people while also helping us accelerate efforts towards harnessing the unique demographic dividend opportunity presented by our current population statistics”.
Bulunga noted that over 70% of the country’s population is aged 35 years and below. He said it has therefore become paramount for Government to invest in the youth because there can be limited prosperity for Eswatini if the youth is left behind.
He urged youth to freely voice their views for the Bill to create an enabling environment for sustainable youth development.
Bulunga added that there can be no effective and sustainable youth development without any proper organisation and legislative recognition of this sector. “This is why it has been important for the Ministry to review the National Youth Policy and expedite efforts to complete work done on the Youth Bill to ensure that whatever youth initiatives are undertaken in Eswatini, they are done within a clear framework and in an environment that is ripe for the achievement of effective youth development”, he said.
The consultations will rotate in the four regions. With Manzini coming next, on 13- 15 October, Shiselweni on 20- 22 October, and Lubombo on 27- 29 October 2020.
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