Young South Africans have been urged to take a more active role in democratic and governance processes, with concerns about youth disengagement, misinformation, unemployment and exclusion taking centre stage at a Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) roundtable in Pretoria.
The roundtable, held at the GCIS Auditorium, brought together young people from different backgrounds, including students from various institutions and youth from different communities, to discuss the challenges preventing greater participation in democracy.
The engagement comes amid ongoing national concern about the involvement of young people in democratic processes.
Participants were given an opportunity to raise concerns, ask questions and seek clarity on the role young people can play in governance.
Discussions emphasised that democracy extends beyond voting during elections and includes active citizenship, community involvement, holding leaders accountable and staying informed about issues affecting society.
Several themes were addressed during the discussions, including the power of the vote, online activism and misinformation, youth employment and local economic participation, as well as the participation of women, persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups in democratic processes.
Participants also examined the growing influence of social media on young people and the risks posed by misinformation and digital manipulation. Discussions highlighted the need for young people to distinguish credible information from false or misleading content.
Social media was also identified as a potential platform for constructive civic engagement. Participants said digital platforms could be used not only to express views and raise awareness, but also to encourage community involvement and participation in democratic processes.
Employment and economic opportunities emerged as another major concern. Young people linked meaningful participation in society to access to sustainable livelihoods and opportunities to contribute to local economic development.
The roundtable also focused on inclusive participation, with participants stressing that women, persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups should not be excluded from democratic processes.
Small-group discussions were used to encourage broader participation and allow young people to reflect on challenges in their communities and propose practical solutions. Each group later selected a representative to present its key recommendations and reflections to the wider gathering.
The discussions provided an opportunity for participants to identify common challenges while exchanging ideas on how young people could become more involved in governance.
The roundtable concluded with a call for young people to view themselves as active citizens and future leaders. Participants were encouraged to remain informed, challenge misinformation, participate in their communities and hold people in positions of authority accountable.
The engagement demonstrated that, despite concerns about youth disengagement, young people remain willing to discuss challenges facing South Africa and contribute ideas aimed at addressing them. - SAnews.gov.za
