Youth vs Local government; is enough being done?

Youth Network, ACTIVATE! Change Drivers features on SABC Education and the IEC’s youth democracy education programme to emphasise the importance of engagement between youth and local government .

With local government elections around the corner, recent evidence of low voter registration and ongoing discontent between communities and municipalities  are indications of a desperate need for interventions. With the “born-free” generation being at the ages where they are eligible to vote, the country has seen the growth of a new breed of active citizens who are focus on realistic results and leadership accountability.

Through popular youth television magazine programme, Walala Wasala, viewers will be taken on a national journey that sees young Activators share their thoughts on the performance of their local government and how they are actively making a difference in their communities.

“Youth participation in local government is a necessity that has been overshadowed by unnecessary issues at times,” says Nelisa Ngqulana, Communications Manager at ACTIVATE! “We believe that having programmes such as Walala Wasala will encourage youth to be more active and take more responsibility on the way in which their communities are governed.”

From empowering youth on the function of local government to addressing issues on access of basic services, public health and illegal dumping, the 13-episode series will be showcasing the value behind youth participation within the local government structures.

There are these incredible young people out there who are going to engage politically and actively contribute towards changing the system from within. With the mentoring and range of skills provided by the ACTIVATE! network, these young people have the capacity to be our next members of parliament, and they will know how to listen and hear what people are saying, and have a wealth of ideas on how to find solutions.

The first episode of Walala Wasala will be airing on Thursday,10 March on SABC 1 at 21:00

For more information on the programme check out the following:

Websites: www.activateleadership.co.za

Social Media

Twitter: @ActivateZA

Facebook: Activate! Change Drivers


Related Articles

Responses