Youth discuss development, crime and aids as the annual Youth Parliament organised by the Communications Division of the Legislature.

On Saturday June 7th the Main Chamber of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature was transformed into a sea of colour and youthful faces. It was filled with an air of eager excitement not usually present at a normal sitting of the real thing. The Communications Section of KZNL was running their annual Youth Parliament, and a great deal of hard work and fun had gone into it.

The youth were chosen from all over KwaZulu-Natal, and the main criteria this year was that they had to be finished school, and jobless. The chosen ones were bussed into Pietermaritzburg on Thursday, and spent two days work-shopping at the Hotel in which they stayed. Basically, they were learning about the procedures and protocols of Parliament, and how the system works.

They were then divided into three teams, the reds, the whites and the greens, representing opposing sides. In order to tell them apart they were given T-shirts, which they wore with great pride. The topics that they were to debate had been discussed, a Premier had been chosen, and they filed into the Chamber of the Legislature with great enthusiasm. In the public gallery, were members of the public and their friends, all agog.

The procedures that were followed were the same as those of a normal Legislature Sitting. They were welcomed by the real Deputy-Speaker of the Legislature, Mr Willis Mchunu, and then lead by their elected Premier for the day, Mr M Mhlongo.

Three topics were debated: The Impact of Cultural Activities on HIV/AIDS; The Opportunities and Challenges facing Youth Development and The Prevention of Crime for a Safer KZN. These young people entered fully into the debate, using well thought out and intelligent arguments. It was particularly striking to note how many different ideas they had, and how their fresh approach brought an entirely new approach to issues, which have, unfortunately, become somewhat hackneyed to most adults. It was a pity to see so few members of the public making use of this opportunity to participate in the activities, of this, the peoples' Parliament.

After lunch, provided by the Legislature, they left, seemingly filled with enthusiasm. The purpose of this annual Youth Parliament is to give young people the opportunity and skills they need to spread the world and the methods of democracy to their peers.