​Thembisa Shologu
Premier David Makhura has announced members of the civil society-led Gauteng Youth Advisory Panel (GYAP) to help ensure the provincial government has an integrated, holistic, and sustainable approach to youth development. 
The fifteen (15) member Advisory Panel, co-chaired by Premier Makhura and Oagile Louw, will act as an advisory capacity to the Gauteng Provincial Government in all issues affecting young people and cooperate with other governmental agencies and civil society groups in the advancement of youth programmes.
Other members of the Panel are: Zulaikha Patel, Vuyolethu Sibiya, Irfaan Mangera, Dimpho Lekgeu, Jose Andre, Paballo Ponoane, Nonhlanhla Bakasa, Onkgopotse Peete, Vuyiswa Jentile, Ndumiso Hadebe, Lorraine Dimakatso Mahlosane, Emma Lavinia George, Luthando Mafunda, Dudu Mkhwanazi and Merike du Plessis. 
These members were drawn from various groups of society, including professional bodies, business, labour, academia, faith-based, non-governmental, disability organizations, and LGBTIQ+ organizations.
"Given the youthfulness of the population, investing in youth development is crucial to the vision of transformation, modernisation, and reindustrialisation of Gauteng into an inclusive and globally competitive City Region. Our task is to support youth to unleash their potential," said Makhura.
The panel will strengthen multi-sectoral coordination, collaboration, and partnerships across different spheres of government and sectors of society on the implementation of the Gauteng Integrated Youth Development Strategy (2022 - 2030).
Part of its responsibilities will be to maintain a close liaison with institutions, bodies, or authorities to foster common policies and practices and promote cooperation, assess new needs and opportunities, and challenges for the youth, and monitor the adequacy and effectiveness of initiatives undertaken by the provincial government and the private sector.  
It will consider recommendations, suggestions, and requests concerning youth matters as they may receive them from any source and conduct research on matters affecting youth.
GYAP has the authority to hold the provincial government, its agencies, and the various institutions to account for failing to empower young people through legal prescripts and various policies.
The rationale is to ensure young people are mobilised.  Their energies and ideas must inform and drive all government, private sector, and civil society initiatives.
Louw who is also President of the South African Youth Council and the Sector Chairperson Gauteng Aids Council Youth Sector, said the launch of the panel was reflective of the government's seriousness in addressing the youth challenges. 
"It's an honour to serve the young people of Gauteng Province. By creating a platform for various groups within the youth community, we will ensure all their aspirations and interests are well captured and all matters or suggestions raised equally find expression," said Louw. 
Patel who will serve as Deputy Chairperson to MEC for Sport, Arts, Recreation and Culture (SARC) Mbali Hlophe on the War Room on Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship said the introduction of the GYAP is a turning point for youth development in the province. 
"One key and critical issue for me in the panel would be advocating for public schools, especially those in townships, that their infrastructural needs and those of the learners are met. 
"Being part of the panel for me also means tackling youth unemployment and supporting young people's businesses in townships, especially with access to funding," said the young activist who is also part of the South African Youth Economic Council.
The work of the panel will be supported by a revitalised and robust Youth Directorate in the Office of the Premier to ensure the effective implementation and coordination of the youth development strategy.