BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
Lawmakers have introduced a motion to legally mandate youth representation across all levels of government, arguing that a significant portion of the population remains excluded from key decision-making processes.
MP John Kuka expressed concern over the “limited youth representation in decision making bodies at every level of government including private and public enterprises”. Noting that young people constitute a “demographic dividend,” the motion recommends that the Ministry of Justice “creates a provision for the enactment of 30% youth quota in Provincial Councils and Local Authorities”
The proposal also seeks to enact provisions that “compels the appointment of at least one youth in every Public Service Board”. Supporters of the motion emphasized that young people bring “innovative ideas and deep understanding of issues affecting their generation” which are vital to national development.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly has voiced strong support for a government ban on the export of raw minerals, aiming to drive local industrial growth and increase national revenue.
Legislators acknowledged that the “export of raw, unprocessed minerals has historically deprived the nation of significant value” and potential employment opportunities. The ban, which went into effect in early 2026, is a strategic measure intended to promote “local beneficiation and value addition”.
While commending the policy as essential for the nation’s development goals, members of the House raised concerns regarding “compliance challenges arising from the abrupt implementation”. Parliament has urged the government to “invest in and incentivise the establishment of local mineral processing and refining facilities” to ensure the sustainability of the policy.