Active Citizenship in the Era of political uncertainty: Threats and Mitigation Strategies

By: Dr. Adebimpe Ofusori

Active citizenship involves the full participation of members of society in the affairs of their community or country. They comprise of inspirational leaders at all levels and facets of life, who come together to contribute to changes and development in their community. They also have access to accurate and current information about the government and their activities which will help them to restructure the economy of the country. Political uncertainty has been one of the major concerns in South Africa during the post-apartheid era. This period of instability is often characterized by social unrest, leadership crisis, and economic instability and requires active citizenship in order to dictate the future of the nation through decision-making. In times of political uncertainty where the political system is unstable and unpredictable, active citizenship is highly needed because it will help to engage in activities that can enhance the democratic process and positive attitude within the community. Active citizenship plays key role in fostering political stability in South Africa, however, there are several threats affecting their full operation during political uncertainty.

Threats encountered by active citizens in the era of political uncertainty

In an era of political uncertainty, active citizens can face various threats that can discourage and prevent their intervention. Below are some of the threats:

Victimization: In times of political uncertainty, governments or powerful entities may attempt to victimize civil society organizations, restrict access to information, or even resort to censorship and surveillance. Such measures can hinder active citizenship by making it difficult for individuals and groups to voice their concerns, advocate for their rights, or engage in meaningful civic participation. Sometimes governments may infringe upon civil liberties in the name of political instability.

Social division: Political uncertainty often leads to increased social tension or division. Divisions along ideological, ethnic, or social lines can make it challenging for active citizens to find common ground and work towards collective goals. Polarization can hinder constructive dialogue, cooperation, and compromise, which are crucial for effective civic engagement.

Lack of trust: Political uncertainty can erode public trust in institutions, including government bodies, electoral processes, and the justice system. It is very sad when citizens lose trust in government or political leadership. This often makes the citizens to be disillusioned and disengaged. A lack of trust in the system can discourage individuals from participating in political processes, voting, or supporting civic initiatives.

Falsehood and fake news: The spread of false information and fake news is particularly prevalent during periods of political uncertainty. There are lots of immoral campaigns, propaganda, and manipulation of social medial platforms to confuse citizens, distort facts, and create an environment of uncertainty. As a result of these, citizens may face challenges in driving home their causes.

Economic tension: Political uncertainty can lead to a bad economy, thus affecting the financial capacities of individuals and organizations involved in active citizenship. Limited resources, low budget provisions can adversely affect the project implementation of active citizens.

Mitigation Strategies

Active citizens need to adopt mitigation strategies in order to abate social and political tension in society. These strategies are needed to guide against political uncertainty. To achieve this, social cohesion is needed in order to guide against political tension, the polarization of the democratic process, and misinformation. Here are some of the strategies:

Promote Civic Education: Education is very important as it enlightens citizens about their rights and democratic processes. Civic education programs have the capability of empowering individuals to critically analyze information, engage in civil discourse, and make informed decisions. By fostering an understanding of democratic principles, citizens are better equipped to navigate political uncertainty.

Promote Media Literacy: This is very vital in the era of diverse misinformation. The government can make critical thinking skills accessible for its citizens. This will encourage question sources, and fact-check information before accepting it as true. Promoting media literacy empowers individuals to discern credible information, reducing the spread of false narratives that can exacerbate political uncertainty.

Communal Collaboration: Collaboration between diverse communities which includes regular dialogue can help reduce division. Citizens should be encouraged to engage in constructive conversations, listen to different perspectives, and find common ground. Platforms and initiatives that facilitate dialogue, such as community forums or online spaces, can foster understanding and bridge societal divisions.

Encouraging more Civil Society Organizations: Civil society organizations play a vital role in ensuring democratic principles are promoted. Supporting these organizations through funding, volunteering, or amplifying their voices helps safeguard democratic norms and promote active citizenship. These organizations can provide resources, organize grassroots campaigns, and engage citizens in collective action.

Strengthen Democratic Institutions: There should be an encouragement towards strengthening democratic institutions that can douse the tension of political uncertainty. Efforts should be made to strengthen the independence, transparency, and accountability of institutions such as the judiciary, electoral bodies, and anti-corruption agencies. Citizens can actively participate by advocating for reforms, monitoring institutional performance, and holding leaders accountable.

Encouragement of Peaceful Protest: Citizens should be allowed to have peaceful protests as a legitimate means of expressing concerns and demanding change. Citizens can engage in organized demonstrations, petitions, or lobbying efforts to bring attention to pressing issues and participating in the democratic process to make their voices heard.

Embracing Diversity and Inclusion: Promoting diversity and fostering inclusion will help to overcome discrimination and promote active participation. Active citizenship should involve advocating for equal rights, social justice, and representation of relegated groups. They must not only embrace the constitutional values of equality, dignity, and freedom but be willing to involve everyone irrespective of their position, status, or race. By creating an inclusive environment, political uncertainty can be alleviated, as citizens feel valued and empowered to participate fully.

Amplification of Local Politics: local politics should be encouraged through attending town hall meetings, and participation in community initiatives. Active citizens should be actively involved in local politics. This is because citizens have an impact on their immediate surroundings and contribute to shaping the broader political landscape.

Encourage Principled Leadership: One of the mitigating factors that can encourage active citizens’ participation in the terrain of political uncertainty is to promote ethical leadership. Citizens should actively support and promote leaders who uphold democratic values, transparency, and accountability. Holding leaders to high ethical standards and actively engaging in the electoral process can help shape a more stable political environment.

In conclusion, active citizenship can help to bring about positive change during political uncertainty. Despite the challenges encountered, determination, flexibility, and collective action can help to overcome these challenges and bring about betterment of the society. In addition, maintaining open lines of communication, building partnerships and trust can also go a long way. The mitigation strategies can contribute to addressing political uncertainty by promoting stability and protecting democratic values in challenging times.

Dr. Adebimpe Ofusori is a researcher. She writes in her personal capacity.