An evaluation of legislation, institutionalisation, and implementation strategies of youth development in Gauteng municipalities.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Thesis title: An evaluation of legislation, institutionalisation and implementation strategies of youth development in Gauteng province Author: Koopedi Tsholofelo; Ekurhuleni, March 2012 Everatt (2000:13-17) notes that “since 1997 South Africa has seen efforts of policy formulation and establishment of institutions for youth development implementation, but still their position symbolises that of youth development in South Africa: much lip-service is paid to it”. To the extent that to date; there is no indication of a coherent and consistent approach on the formulation, championing and fostering of youth development in metropolitan municipalities. Taking into account that the 1998 Municipal Structures Act defines metropolitan municipalities as municipalities with executive and legislative authority, and the demographic landscape of Gauteng; it is clear that metropolitan municipalities have a critical role to play in community development. In particular regarding the formulation and implementation of a coherent youth development policies, that are consistent with metropolitan municipalities’ socio-economic and political realities. It is therefore, important for this research to explore and evaluate ‘how youth development is formulated, championed and fostered in the metropolitan municipalities of Johannesburg and Tshwane through; legislation, institutions and implementation?’ This evaluation uses a desktop study of the legislation and institutional mechanisms that formulate, champion, and foster youth development in Gauteng metropolitan municipalities. It used quantitative analysis to gather baseline information and qualitative analysis to gather qualitative information through in-depth interviews with relevant officials. A vertical and horizontal analysis is used to process the findings, which are organised into four different groups and presented in three main levels representing legislation, institution and implementation. Mainstreaming and public participation emerge from the findings as independent but interdependent factors for advancing youth development, their interdependency should be anchored in the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) process.