ACDP wishes all South African youth well in preparation for the celebration of youth month

African Christian Democratic Party
Media Statement

ACDP Parliament
Steve Swart, MP
10th June 2009

ACDP wishes all South African youth well in preparation for the celebration of youth month
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ACDP MP, Steve Swart, today wished all South African youth well as we prepare to celebrate the vibrant voice of the youth on National Youth day next week:

“Let us also celebrate the wonderful contribution made by the talents, resources, and ideas of our young men and women.

Young people have acted as drivers of change and have participated actively in the development of a socially inclusive and economically empowering society.

We also need to remember those youth at risk which includes youth living with HIV and AIDS, youth-headed households, youth in conflict with the law, youth abusing alcohol and drugs, and unemployed youth living in poverty. Besides the vibrant voice that we hear, there is also a heartfelt cry for help… for guidance … for love.

Whilst the Constitution ensures many rights for youths, there are concomitant responsibilities - young people have inter alia the responsibility to show full respect for parents and elders…and to respect sound families, communities and societal values.

In the amended National Youth Policy accepted by Cabinet last month, there is mention of the specific responsibility that exists for all citizens to strengthen relationships between parents and young people, and to create a safe and nurturing environment where young people will be able to exercise their responsibilities effectively.

Why is thus so crucial. The ACDP believes that a main reason why there are so many young people at risk that includes youth living with HIV and AIDS, youth-headed households, youth in conflict with the law, youth abusing alcohol and drugs - is absent fathers.

This is not to detract from the many mothers, particularly single mothers, who are doing their very best to raise their children, and who were acknowledged during the International Day of the Family on 29 May by the Minister of Social Development, Honourable Molema.

She emphasised what the ACDP has continuously promoted, that it is “strong families that build and ensure a better life for children and our country. Families are where we all turn FOR first for love and fulfilment, and for solutions to the challenges we face… We cannot have a strong nation or a strong government, if the foundations of our families are weak.”

Let us then not forget about the crucial role that fathers play. There is a story of young elephant bulls that caused damage in a game park. As soon as a mature elephant bull was introduced the young males stopped misbehaving. One of the key elements in assisting youth at risk will be when fathers take up their rightful role to love, guide, protect and provide for their children.

A well known Argentinean author, Ed Silvoso, quoting from Malachi, has said that for true transformation to take place in any society the hearts of the fathers must turn to the children and the children to the fathers. It begins however with the fathers.

What role models are they portraying? Are they committing acts of domestic violence and abuse - even raping their own daughters – drunkenness – drug abuse – failing to pay maintenance …what role models are these?

Let us remember three year-old Ashwin Hurling from Hanover Park whose parents are standing trial for his murder following extreme physical abuse. According to evidence, he was terrified at the prospect of visiting his father. He tried to protect his mother from abuse. A three year-old. Shame on them. Shame on us that we have failed this child and so many thousands of other children.

Is this what the youth of 1976 fought for?

As we prepare to celebrate Youth Day next week, let us as fathers take up our God-given role to provide exemplary role models for our children”.
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For more information please contact:
Steve Swart, MP: 083 285 6290
ACDP Media Liaison: Liziwe Ndalana
Tel: 021 403 3307/072 103 8899

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