“Accelerating Economic Emancipation of Young People in the North West Province through Arts and Culture,” at Brits White Hall in Madibeng Local Municipality.

On Friday, 30 June 2023, the North West Provincial Legislature hosted the Youth Sectoral Parliament under the theme: “Accelerating Economic Emancipation of Young People in the North West Province through Arts and Culture,” at Brits White Hall in Madibeng Local Municipality.

The objective of the sectoral parliament was to strengthen oversight and accountability on issues affecting the youth and assess progress made in implementing programs that accelerate economic emancipation for the province. Furthermore, the event is aimed at promoting and lobbying for support of young artists and performers in order to ensure growth in the economy and to build sustainable stakeholder relations that will deepen participatory democracy.

Key stakeholders such as the South African Arts and Culture Youth Forum, the Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation formed part of the session to present on areas which will focus on:
• How did young artists and performers benefit from the COVID 19 Relief fund;
• How Mmabana Foundation plays a role in the performing arts education to empower impoverished youths in the Province;
• Challenges and Achievements in the Arts and Culture industry; and
• Has the sector received any support from government?
The North West Provincial Legislature firmly believes that, for the Youth Parliament 2023, it is imperative to engage in a debate of fostering economic emancipation of young people through their talents rather than moving up slowly through the ranks in someone else’s venture. This is vital for natural growth in the country whereby the new business can breathe the necessary life and a spirit of potential into the economy.

Representatives from the Office of the Premier together with different provincial departments and municipalities; 30 young people per district including from political parties represented in the legislature and from different youth structures attended the sectoral parliament.