BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
MBABANE – Siphofaneni Inkhundla youth leader Seneme Shongwe is participating in regional policy discussions under the Southern African Development Community aimed at strengthening youth participation in governance and development across Southern Africa.
Shongwe, who serves as Chairperson of the Siphofaneni Inkhundla Youth, is attending the SADC Youth Experts Meeting where stakeholders are reviewing and validating the proposed SADC Youth Engagement Framework.
The engagement seeks to establish structured mechanisms that will enable young people to meaningfully contribute to regional policy developmentSipand decision making processes. Shongwe said his participation is driven by a commitment to ensure that the perspectives of young people are represented in regional governance platforms.
“As a representative of the country, I am bringing the perspective of young people who are eager to be meaningfully involved in shaping regional policies that affect their future,” he said.
He explained that his contribution to the discussions focuses on advocating for inclusive participation systems that allow young people from diverse backgrounds to engage effectively in governance at both national and regional levels.
“My contribution to the discussions on the SADC Youth Engagement Framework focuses on ensuring that youth voices are not only heard but also reflected in decision making processes,” he said. Shongwe said the validation of the SADC Youth Engagement Framework marks an important step toward strengthening youth participation within regional structures.
According to him, the framework is expected to institutionalise youth involvement within SADC processes by providing clear structures, platforms and guidelines for engagement.
“By providing formal structures and engagement platforms, youth organisations and young leaders will be better positioned to share ideas, influence policy direction and promote accountability,” he said.
Among the key issues under discussion at the meeting is the need to improve coordination among youth structures across the region. Shongwe said the proposed framework encourages closer collaboration between national youth councils, regional youth platforms and youth led organisations.
He further emphasised that stronger youth participation in regional platforms is essential in addressing socio economic challenges such as unemployment and limited economic opportunities for young people.
“When young people participate actively in policy discussions, they are able to highlight real challenges faced by communities and advocate for policies that promote skills development, access to funding and support for youth led businesses,” he said.
At community level, Shongwe works closely with the Siphofaneni Inkhundla Youth under the guidance of Bucopho Nkosingiphile “Pilos” Masina. The youth platform focuses on empowering young people through edutainment, a concept that blends education and entertainment to create engaging spaces where young people can learn, exchange ideas and develop their skills.
“Our youth platform is dedicated to uplifting and empowering young people in our community through dialogue, mentorship and development initiatives,” Shongwe said.
Meanwhile, the country’s official delegate at the meeting is the Head of Programmes at the Eswatini National Youth Council, Dumsani Simelane.
