On 28 March 2026, the Western Cape Provincial Parliament (WCPP) hosted the establishment and first sitting of the 2026 Western Cape Youth Parliament (WCYP). Delegates from youth leadership structures in the six districts of the Western Cape attended the session, either in-person in the Chamber, or virtually.
The sitting was presided over by Member Wendy Kaizer-Philander. In her opening remarks Kaizer-Philander noted the significance of providing an opportunity for the voices of young people of the province to be heard and for the development of young leaders. “South Africa needs you. The Western Cape needs you,” said Kaizer-Philander.
Secretary of the Provincial Parliament Ressida Begg provided an overview of the procedures of the House, the reason for the establishment of the WCYP and the process that will be followed to escalate issues raised by the youth delegates. The Director: Public Engagement, Sunelle Fouché, facilitated the process of swearing in the youth delegates for their twelve-month term of office.
The following delegates made speeches during the sitting:
- Maseeha Kaka, Cape Metro District
- JJ Voster, West Coast District
- Byron Scheepers, Cape Winelands District
- Angela Solomons, Overberg District
- Matthew Taylor, Garden Route District
- Zoha Essop, Central Karoo District
- Coden Morilly, representing the Provincial Regional Council of Learners
Each district delegate was given the opportunity to comment on a selected Western Cape Government department and highlight the challenges being experienced by the youth in relation to the specific area of service delivery. Matters raised by the Youth Parliament will be referred to the relevant standing committees of the WCPP for further attention.
Before concluding the sitting, delegates were asked to identify topics for the next three sittings of the WCYP.
