Youth Parliament: Young leaders unite against education inequality and cyberbullying

Inequalities in education, cyberbullying, and youth caught in gangsterism took centre stage as the first sitting of the 2026 Western Cape Youth Parliament convened on Saturday, bringing together young leaders determined to turn their lived realities into actionable solutions.

Hosted at the Western Cape Provincial Parliament, the inaugural sitting marked the formal establishment of the Youth Parliament, with delegates from all six districts participating either in person in the chamber or virtually.

The chamber reflected a striking image of youth leadership in action; the majority of the delegates were high school learners, many still in their mid-teens, dressed in various school uniforms, representing a cross-section of communities across the province.

The session was presided over by Member Wendy Kaizer-Philander, who underscored the importance of amplifying youth voices in governance. 

The sitting outlined both the purpose and process of the Youth Parliament, with Secretary of the Provincial Parliament Ressida Begg explaining how issues raised by delegates would be escalated to relevant standing committees for further attention.

Director of Public Engagement Sunelle Fouché facilitated the swearing-in of delegates, who will serve a 12-month term.

Representing the Cape Metro District, Maseeha Kaka opened the debate by reflecting on her experience as a junior city councillor.

“I’ve encountered young people whose lives look completely different, yet are connected by shared struggles… behind every hardship is a story that deserves to be heard,” she said.

Kaka highlighted safety, infrastructure, and education as urgent priorities, adding that many young people are “surrounded by conditions that don’t reflect their potential”.

Her proposed solution focused on investment in safer, cleaner community spaces, “where young people can grow, feel secure, and begin to imagine something beyond what they see around them”.

JJ Voster of the West Coast District followed, turning attention to the growing crisis of cyberbullying.

“Many young people suffer in silence as they face harassment and abuse online,” he said, warning that it affects confidence, academic performance, and overall well-being.

“We must treat cyberbullying with the seriousness it deserves, ensuring safe digital spaces and strong support systems.”

Voster also addressed education inequality, noting that “some learners attend well-resourced schools while others struggle with overcrowded classes, limited materials, and lack of support”, arguing that opportunity should not be determined by a learner’s background.

Speaking for the Garden Route District, 16-year-old Matthew Taylor introduced himself as the junior speaker of the Junior City Council of George and stressed the urgency of youth challenges.

“While we are often described as the leaders of tomorrow, we are also the citizens of today, and the issues we face cannot wait,” he said.

Taylor identified gender-based violence, substance abuse, and mental health as critical concerns, calling for collaborative solutions.

“We urge the legislature to act not alone, but in partnership with communities, civil society,, and young people themselves.”

He proposed targeted youth employment programmes, investment in skills development and support for young entrepreneurs, alongside “strong policies and awareness campaigns to combat cyberbullying, ensuring that no young person feels unsafe in digital spaces”.

From the Central Karoo District, Zoha Essop, junior mayor of the Oxford West Municipality, spoke about the structural barriers facing rural youth.

“I carry with me the hopes, the frustrations, and the untapped potential of the young people living in our central Karoo,” she said.

Essop pointed to a lack of coordinated platforms for youth engagement, warning that this limits participation in governance and development initiatives.

“There is no structure to serve as a platform for youth engagement… this has resulted in limited participation opportunities for young people.”

She called for stronger cooperation between the government and youth, and for the development of targeted programmes that empower young people to become active citizens and community leaders.

Other delegates, including Angela Solomons from the Overberg District, Byron Scheepers from the Cape Winelands District, and Coden Morilly representing the Provincial Regional Council of Learners, echoed similar concerns around youth unemployment, gender-based violence, and the need for inclusive development.

As the first sitting concluded, their issues were formally referred to the relevant standing committees of the Provincial Parliament.

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