RE-IMAGINING YOUTH POLITICAL ACTIVISM IN THE 26 YEARS OF DEMOCRACY IN SOUTH AFRICA: THEN AND NOW

CALL FOR PAPERS: Youth Participation and Political Activism 

Young people are an integral demography of our country. They are constantly mobilizing across society, seeking and demanding opportunities to contribute meaningfully in decision making processes that affect their lives and the nation. Admittedly, young people played a significant role in pre-democracy era, leading the fight against apartheid and ultimately its fall, paving way for a democratic South Africa. They have continued with the struggle since then. However, even though their political activism is laudable, they are still contending with the effects of decades of exclusion from opportunities that would benefit them and their dependents. They are still facing an uncertain future, exacerbated by chronic poverty, inequality and unemployment. All these challenges have affected their self-esteem, self-identity, their sense of belonging and their ability to appreciate fully their being part of a democracy.

Against this background, the Democracy Development Program (DDP), is invites research papers on youth participation and political activism in South Africa since 1994 till date. The overall objective of the project is track how young people’s political participation has shaped their activism in holding government accountable since the dawn of democracy till date. It also intends to examine how that activism is contributing towards South Africa’s political and socio-economic development.

Abstracts will be accepted in responding to one or more of the following questions:

1. a) To what extent has young people adapted themselves as activists in the last decade?
2. b) How can young people enhance their individual sense of political activism to make meaningful contribution for themselves socio-economically and politically?
3. c) Policies, legislation and the constitution – how have all of these supported/hindered the youth political activism in South Africa?
4. d) What needs to shift in our political ecosystem in South Africa in order to inspire responsible and responsive political leadership that young people can emulate in the new decade?

Submission Procedure:

Interested applicants wishing to present their original research should submit extended abstracts (1000 – 1500 words) by Friday, 15 May 2020, 12 Noon (South African time). All extended abstracts/queries should be submitted electronically to Ms Mbalenhle F. Mkhize on mbalim@ddp.org.za.

Important Dates: