SADC Youth Parliament
Background on the SADC Youth Parliament
The first SADC Youth Parliament held its inaugural sitting in 2019 in Tanzania. Since then,
there have been two consecutive cohorts of parliamentarians representing all 16 SADC
nations. There have also been two more official sittings in 2020 and 2021, both during the
annual SADC Youth Forum. Many former parliamentarians have been empowered through
this initiative, gaining access to more regional and international leadership roles due to their
terms as members of the parliament. The parliament has also evolved into a unique youth-
centered space for regional consultation, advocacy and debate on policy recommendations
on issues facing the SADC region.
This year the South African Youth Forum (SAYoF), as the official convener of the SADC Youth
Parliament, will once again invite youth leaders to become members of the 4th cohort of the
SADC Youth Parliament.
Why a Youth Parliament?
Regional youth parliaments have become a common feature of modern international
governance. The most notable examples include the European Youth Parliament, the
Commonwealth Youth Parliament and the Global Youth Parliament. A youth parliament is
not a political, decision-making or elected body like a conventional parliament, but rather
seeks to be a youth development platform that creates a channel through which:
1) Youth leaders of the region can debate and be consulted on regional policy issues
that will affect their futures.
2) Youth leaders of the region can be mentored and orientated towards the values of
Pan-Africanism, democratic regionalism, parliamentarianism and public service.
3) Youth leader of the region to be given a channel through which they might be
equipped and empowered to build networks and skills relevant to entering public
leadership offices in their home country and in SADC more broadly.
4) Youth leaders of the region to join a community of peers and mentors through
which they can initiate grassroots development projects among youth in their
country.
Who can become a parliamentarian?
The criteria for nomination to be eligible for nomination includes:
– Citizen of a SADC member state
– Between the ages of 18-28
– Resident in a SADC country
– Demonstratable experience in leadership in civil society, business, government or
academia
There will be two youth parliamentarians selected from each SADC nation, one male and
one female, bringing the total of the cohort to 32 parliamentarians for a term of 18 months.
Activities of SADC Youth Parliament
The SADC Youth Parliament sits once every 3-4 months, with a total of Six Assemblies
(physical and virtual) hosted throughout the duration of the cohort. The purpose of the SADC
Youth Parliament is to create a space where parliamentarians will:
1) Debate and deliberate on topics and policies relevant to the future of SADC. These topics
will be pre-selected and curated by SAYoF in consultation with the Board of Patrons,
Parliamentarians, young people in the region’s relevant partners, and with prior inputs from
the parliamentarians.
2) Report back on consultative campaigns they have hosted with youth in their country
relating to issues on the parliament’s agenda.
3) Report back on the progress of their youth development project into their respective
country.
In addition to the Assembly members of the SADC Youth Parliament are supported in
conducting national youth consultation campaigns on key regional policy issues. They are
responsible for planning and implementing national youth development projects during
their term, with the support of SAYoF and its partners. Parliamentarians receive periodic
training and capacity building during their term, on topics related to SADC regional
structures and history; ethical and servant leadership; Parliamentarianism, democracy and
good governance; Campaign management; Project management; Policy research and
writing. Finally, SADC Youth parliamentarians receive mentorship from leaders and
organizations in the region supporting the parliament to carry out their duties effectively.
Submit your nomination to be part of the 4th cohort of the SADC Youth Parliament here:
https://forms.gle/Se7B7cva5u5j6pUT8
Deadline for submissions: 14 August 2022
