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Minister Tshabalala-Msimang to be conferred with the honour of a Goodwill Ambassador and Champion for the improvement of maternal and children health by the African Union (AU)
6 May 2009
The Minister in the Presidency Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang will on 7 May 2009, address the fourth Session of the African Union Conference of Ministers of Health (CAMH4) in Ethiopia, Addis Ababa.
Whilst in Ethiopia, the Minister will be conferred with the honours of a Goodwill Ambassador and Champion for the improvement of maternal and child health in Africa beyond 2015.
The signing of the African Youth Charter (AYC)
The Minister will also sign the African Youth Charter (AYC) as authorised by the President of South Africa after both houses in Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces) approved that the charter be signed and ratified.
The charter is a continental political and legal document and serves as a strategic framework that gives direction for youth empowerment and development at continental, regional and national levels.
It intends to strengthen continental and regional relations and to also prioritise youth development on the African Union's development agenda.
It focuses on obligations of state parties; rights and duties of young people; development of national youth policies and identified key youth development indicators such as:
* 9787: education and skills development
* 9787: poverty eradication
* 9787: socio-economic integration of youth
* 9787: sustainable livelihood and youth employment;
* 9787: health
* 9787: peace and security
* 9787: law enforcement
* 9787: sustainable development and protection of the environment
* 9787: youth and culture
* 9787: youth in the diaspora
* 9787: leisure, recreation, sports and cultural activities
* 9787: girls and young women
* 9787: mentally and physically challenged youth.
In South Africa, the charter will be implemented within the context of the National Youth Policy (NYP) 2009 to 2014 which was recently approved by government.
The charter is inline with the efforts of the African Union that seek to provide an avenue for effective youth participation in development processes. It is also part of the efforts to implement the African Union Commission’s (AUC) horizon strategy (2004 to 2007).
Enquiries:
Terrence Manase
Cell: 082 338 6707
Issued by: The Presidency
6 May 2009