Namatai Kwekweza Advocates for Youth Engagement in Democracy at FVZS Lecture
Democracy activist Namatai Kwekweza spoke at the FVZS Honorary Lecture about the role of youth in advancing constitutionalism, drawing from her experiences, including a recent imprisonment. She emphasized active participation, faith in constitutions, and the importance of not seeking permission to organize or act. Dr. Heidi October concluded, reflecting on the struggles associated with democracy.
Last week, democracy activist Namatai Kwekweza delivered her reflections on three decades of democracy at the 12th annual Frederik Van Zyl-Slabbert (FVZS) Honorary Lecture, following her detention at a Zimbabwean airport that prevented her from speaking last year. Now the recipient of the 2023 Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize, Kwekweza emphasized the importance of youth engagement in constitutionalism.
Kwekweza highlighted her personal experiences, including a recent 35-day imprisonment for alleged disorderly conduct, to underline the necessity for ongoing discussions surrounding the “constitutional promise.” She urged South African youth to actively contribute to realizing this promise rather than simply relying on the constitution.
She cautioned that those seeking power may manipulate the constitution for their ambitions rather than being accountable. Despite these challenges, she empowered the youth, asserting, “We have our bodies, we have our minds, we have our voices, and we have the spirit of our struggle.” This spirit persists even under incarceration.
Kwekweza further asserted that the potential of constitutions hinges on public understanding and belief in them. If the youth lack faith in these documents, they remain mere paper with no real effect. She encouraged active participation in shaping a constitutional future and reminded the audience, “We don’t need permission to organise, and we don’t need permission to act.”
Dr. Heidi October of the Frederik van Zyl Slabbert Institute for Student Leadership Development concluded the session by recalling Kwekweza’s significant remark, emphasizing the realities and costs associated with the struggle for democracy in various parts of the world.
Namatai Kwekweza’s address at the FVZS Honorary Lecture underscores the critical role of youth in upholding democracy through constitutional engagement. Her call to action emphasizes the necessity of using one’s voice and agency without seeking permission, asserting that faith in constitutions must translate into practical efforts toward a constitutional future. As reflected by Dr. October’s closing remarks, understanding the costs of democratic struggle is vital for sustaining progress.
Original Source: www.sun.ac.za
