Youth discuss active citizenship
Active citizenship and building social cohesion was the topic of discussion at a youth dialogue event at Johannesburg's Maboneng Precinct.
The discussion was part of the Nelson Mandela Lecture Dialogue Series hosted by Brand South Africa and the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory.
It was led by a panel made up of Dr Mo Ibrahim and youth leaders Luvuyo Mandela, Zengeziwe Msimang, Neliswa Fente and Thulani Madondo.
The discussion explored how young people could actively contribute towards the future of South Africa, through the implementation of the National Development Plan.
Brand South Africa CEO Miller Matola said their role was to build South Africa’s reputation and contribute to its competitiveness.
“However, we understand that to do so, we need all South Africans to play their part. The youth’s involvement in this dialogue is integral to playing your part.”
He said he hoped the youth would be able to come up with actionable insights through the National Development Plan.
“We need to help push that vision forward because as we always say, what is required is not more policies, but rather action and implementation,” said Matola.
Ibrahim said social cohesion could only be achieved when all sectors of society felt that they had justice and a role to play, a stake in society, were respected and had dignity. Some of the points that were raised at the discussion included government accountability, respect for human rights and dignity, xenophobia and basic access to education and economic resources.
