Soul City 15-Minute Talk Show: Youth Access, Advocacy, and Participation in Health Decisions and Policy

Interview Summary

On Midday Transformation (15:00-18:00), hosted by P6 on Kanyamazane Community Radio, we had an insightful conversation with Ms. Mpumelelo Mhlongo, Adolescent and Youth Programs Officer, on the theme “Youth Access, Advocacy, and Participation in Health Decisions and Policy.”

Ms. Mhlongo highlighted the importance of including young people in health decision-making, as they make up a large part of South Africa’s population and face challenges such as mental health, HIV prevention, teenage pregnancy, and access to contraception. She discussed barriers to accessing health services from stigma and judgmental attitudes by health workers to long queues, transport costs, and lack of youth-friendly clinics.

The discussion also emphasized the power of youth advocacy in driving change, with real examples where young people successfully lobbied for youth-friendly corners in clinics, extended operating hours, and access to contraception. Ms. Mhlongo stressed that government must provide safe platforms, mentorship, and funding for youth-led initiatives, while young people themselves must take an active role in shaping policies through committees, social media, and advocacy groups.

She left listeners with a strong message: “Your voice matters. Nothing about us, without us.”