In South Africa, it is evidence that the participation of the youth in formal, institutional political processes is relatively low when compared to the older citizens. People under the age of 35 are rarely found in the formal political leadership positions. The youth is not represented adequately in formal political institutions and processes such as parliaments, political parties, elections and public administrations. The Youth Party seek to provide opportunities for the youth to engage in governance and participate in political and decision-making.

In order to respond to the needs of young people and guarantee that their basic human rights are recognized and enforced, young people’s active and meaningful participation in the societies and in democratic practices and processes is of crucial importance. Meaningful youth participation and leadership requires that young people and young people-led organisation’s have opportunities, capacities and benefits from an enabling environment and relevance based programmes and policies at all levels. Efforts should also be made to focus on the vulnerable of young people including specific actions targeting young women.