Ukubamba Kwentsha Iqhaza Kohulumeni Basekhaya

The document provides a framework for youth engagement in South African local government, highlighting the gap between the youth population and their representation in decision-making bodies. It outlines the legal rights of youth to participate, identifies barriers to engagement, and suggests practical ways for young people to influence municipal planning and governance.

• There is a significant disparity between the youth population in South Africa and their representation in government. While youth (defined as those aged 18–35) make up nearly one-third of the population, only 3% of Members of Parliament are aged 20–29, and 16.8% are aged 30–39.
• Youth voter turnout in South Africa remains low, with only 20% of youth voting in the 2021 local government elections and less than 30% voting in the 2024 provincial and national elections.
• Youth participation in South Africa is supported by a comprehensive legal framework, including the 1996 Constitution, the 1998 White Paper on Local Government, the Municipal Systems Act (2000), and the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Act (2008).
• Several barriers prevent youth from engaging with local government, including a lack of confidence in political institutions, inaccessible meetings, high poverty and unemployment, and a lack of civic education.
• Practical methods for youth to engage with municipalities include attending Integrated Development Plan (IDP) meetings, joining ward committees, running for council, and volunteering or interning at municipalities.

APA

Public Affairs Research Institute (n.d.). Ukubamba Kwentsha Iqhaza Kohulumeni Basekhaya. https://pari.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/COMPACT-Youth-Participation-isiZulu.pdf

Chicago

Public Affairs Research Institute. Ukubamba Kwentsha Iqhaza Kohulumeni Basekhaya. n.d. https://pari.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/COMPACT-Youth-Participation-isiZulu.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Public Affairs Research Institute |title=Ukubamba Kwentsha Iqhaza Kohulumeni Basekhaya |url=https://pari.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/COMPACT-Youth-Participation-isiZulu.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{publicaffairsresearchinstitutendukubamba, author = {{Public Affairs Research Institute}}, title = {{Ukubamba Kwentsha Iqhaza Kohulumeni Basekhaya}}, institution = {Public Affairs Research Institute}, url = {https://pari.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/COMPACT-Youth-Participation-isiZulu.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }