Speaker’s office expresses concern about lack of youth participation at integrated development plan meetings
The Johannesburg’s speaker’s office warns that youth absence from IDP meetings is silencing their voices in shaping the city’s future.
The office of the speaker in the City of Johannesburg has raised concern over the low turnout of young people at integrated development plan (IDP) meetings, warning that their absence denies them the opportunity to shape the city’s future.
Speaking during the human rights month event at Thusong Youth Centre, David Mawelewele, from the speaker’s office. stressed that IDP meetings are critical platforms where residents, including young people, can directly engage with the mayor, MMCs, and city officials. Yet, youth participation remains alarmingly low. “There has been an honest cry from the speaker’s office that young people do not participate in numbers in the IDP meetings. The city doesn’t know what kind of programmes to implement for young people if they don’t attend.”
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He explained that IDP sessions allow residents to raise issues, ranging from service delivery to youth development. He said what is good about this process is that it gives people an opportunity to engage with the mayor. He warned that if young people do not participate, in 20 to 30 years they will be led by people who aren’t supposed to lead them. Mawelewele further noted that lack of participation denies youth the chance to tell the city what they want it to do.
Additionally, he urged youth to familiarise themselves with ward committees and councillors, noting that participation in these structures is the first step toward meaningful civic engagement. He encouraged young people to contest ward committee positions, arguing that their involvement would strengthen accountability and ensure that youth voices are represented.
Also read: The City of Johannesburg urges community members to attend IDP session planned for their areas
Residents at the dialogue shared concerns about service delivery, and questioned whether officials truly listen to community grievances. Mawelewele acknowledged frustrations, but insisted that IDP meetings remain vital, as they bring stakeholders together and provide a channel for dialogue. Mawelewele said youth should mobilise, and ensure they become part of the upcoming regional IDP engagements on April 9 at Marlboro Community Centre. “The future is in our hands, and we must act positively to take charge.”
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