Introduction
Youth participation in governance is essential for a thriving democracy and sustainable development. Young people bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a deep understanding of contemporary issues. However, many barriers hinder their active involvement in decision-making processes despite their potential.
Lack of Awareness and Political Education
Barriers to Youth Participation in Governance occur because young people do not know about governance structures, human rights, policymaking, and how they can have decision-making processes regarding governance. This lack of awareness often makes the youth disinterested in governance issues. For instance, in the 2019 elections in South Africa, over 6 million eligible young voters between the ages of 18 and 29 did not register to vote, partly due to political disengagement and a lack of awareness about the impact of their participation. Additionally, they may feel less confident in addressing matters that concern them, which can result in them being perceived as lacking the ability or vocabulary to tackle the issues they face.
Lack of Trust in the System
Lack of transparency, corruption, abuse of power, and bureaucracy in governance structures lead to disenchantment among young people. Many believe their voices go unheard and that their participation efforts will not result in an impactful change. This sense of helplessness undermines the very foundation of a thriving democracy. Therefore, it is essential to address these issues to empower the youth to believe in their capacity as a driver of authentic transformation.
Age-Based Discrimination
The phrase “Indlela ibuzwa kwabaphambili” is a Zulu proverb, which means that to gain wisdom or direction, one should seek advice from those with more experience or ahead. Age discrimination is often evident in the leadership spheres, leaving governance to seem like a one-way street where only the older generation leads while the youth follow. Instead, leadership must be intergenerational; while the youth actively participate in decision-making, they also learn from those with experience.
Solutions to Enhance Youth Participation in Governance
While this is a matter of concern, it can be solved through strengthening civic education: lower and higher education systems should integrate civic education to enhance the youth’s knowledge about governance, human rights, and ways to be proactive in policy and decision-making. Encouraging youth-friendly Policies: Governments should adopt policies encouraging youth inclusion in governance, such as lowering the age requirement for political positions.
Conclusion
Youth participation in governance is crucial for a thriving and inclusive society. Despite their potential, barriers like lack of awareness, distrust in the system, and age discrimination limit their involvement. The proverb “Indlela ibuzwa kwabaphambili” emphasises learning from experienced leaders, but governance must be intergenerational, with youth as active contributors. By valuing their voices today, we build a stronger democracy for the future. Strengthening civic education and adopting youth-friendly policies can empower them to engage meaningfully.
Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zanele-zulu-35b10221a/
