Political tensions are running high, with South Africans gearing up to cast their vote at the upcoming local government elections on 27 October 2021. Yet, as citizens prepare to make their voices heard later this year, how much do our youth know about democracy and the workings of government? Do our children know the importance of voicing their concerns and the correct way in which to do so?
Newcastle Municipality’s Council Chambers came alive on Thursday morning, 6 May 2021, with 22 schools from around the Amajuba District attending the Youth Parliament Programme. An initiative that saw 44 school learners learn more about the running of parliament, debate, and the importance of voting.
Addressing the youth on the morning, Nonhlanhla Mbonane, the regional manager for the Electoral Commission of South Africa (often referred to as the Independent Electoral Commission or IEC) explained, the purpose of the day was to introduce school learners to the electoral process, promote public participation within the community, while educating school-goers on the workings of a democratic country.
With the upcoming elections, she added that extensive efforts were being put into public participation this year, principally when focusing on the youth and first-time voters. “We need to put the youth in the forefront in decision-making, involving them to see how they can help develop and improve the country and decision making.”
Moreover, she highlighted the importance of youngsters taking the necessary steps to register to vote when they turned 18 years old. “It is important to emphasise that the youth need to be aware that they are part and parcel of democracy in our country.”
Stressing they need to be informed on what is happening within their communities and country, she states nothing is stopping the country’s youngsters from attending meetings such as this morning’s, nor is there anything halting them from attending community meetings. Such events, she elucidates, expose them to debate on various topics, adequately express themselves and be part of the electoral process. “Casting your vote means more than just putting an X on the ballot. Your vote is a mandate given to the government.”
This mandate, she stresses, showcases the trust you are putting in your leadership of choice and how, in turn, the leadership takes accountability for their decisions.
Opening up the debate session where youngsters voiced their opinions on various topics, Speaker for Newcastle Municipality, Samukelisiwe Yende reminded the participants that for a democracy to succeed truly, people had to come forward and talk. It was our responsibility as a people to take our country forward. “Together, if we can talk, we can decide the best course for South Africa.”
The debate saw participating school students raise valid points, holding no bars where the country’s government was succeeding and failing. One of the questions posed was, “Is democracy serving us?”
While some believed it was, other learners felt the current state of democracy in South Africa was not serving its people in ways that it should, in terms of community upliftment and education.
The Youth Parliament Programme dates back to 2013, through a partnership between the IEC and the Department of Education. Through this programme, not only do children learn more about the running of the country, but it also allows the IEC and government officials to hear the voice of our nation’s youth and see what needs improvement.
As learners found themselves excited to become more active in the running of South Africa, will you be casting your vote in the upcoming elections—thereby leading our youth by example and taking our country forward?
Share your views in the comment section below.
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