"The course towards the Youth Commission has been one of the most exhaustive and thorough processes; in which the Youth League has played an active role, together with other organisations and individuals over the past year.
"The youth of this Province will always be grateful that the Youth League had been instrumental in lobbying for a Youth Commission in the Western Cape and for setting that as a mandate for the first ANC led government in this Province. As Premier, I have successfully implemented this mandate.
"The Provincial Parliament Standing Committee led by Mr Patrick McKenzie has successfully disposed of its responsibilities in arriving at a short list - with which; with one exception where I accommodated an extra woman candidate - I confined myself to. In choosing the Chairperson of the Youth Commission I was thoroughly guided by the merit rankings of the Standing Committee following their interviews with each candidate.
"The fact that I have been attacked by the ID and ANC Youth League and probably others, begins to dispel the notion that this is a party political Youth Commission and to show that this is in fact the best Youth Commission for our Province, as I set out to make it.
"The Constitutional responsibility of the Premier is that he or she should serve all the people of the Province, even in implementing the mandate of the party from which the Premier comes. I believe that I have done so by putting together a Youth Commission that is representative of the different communities of the Western Cape."
For any further input or clarification please contact: Clayton Wakefordcwakeford@pgwc.gov.za
