“Our ambition is to prove that young people can and will have a “voice at the table” with national and municipal government” — Livity Africa
69.3%
Respondents to Rhodes University Survey on the public sphere (2013) expressed a lack of trust in political parties
May 2015 End date
January 2016
Issue
In South Africa today, there is growing alienation of youth from political processes.
In a recent survey conducted by Rhodes University only 30.7% of respondents said they trusted political parties, indicating mistrust in political institutions.
Voter turn out in the 2014 South African elections was lower than in 2009, and “born frees” - those born since the country’s first fully democratic elections – who make up more than 40% of the population, comprised only 2.5% of the vote.
Project
Live Magazine SA believes that youth can be mobilised to engage in political life and their voice better represented - but also believes that traditional outreach strategies are not working.
"There is much talk about the importance of young people from politicians and the media alike - but very little tangible action."
Their project, Voting Is Power (VIP), began as part of an effort to overcome perceptions about the inaccessibility and relevance of political proceedings to youth.
Support from Making All Voices Count is helping the team to expand their platforms - including social media, civic journalism, explorative videos, film screenings and debates - to engage young people on political issues and reflect their issues to those in power.
With unprecedented focus on exploring parliament and politics from a youth perspective, the project provides a unique opportunity for young South Africans to raise their issues, their way, inspiring and equipping the next generation to fully participate in governance.
Partner
Voting is Power is a project of Livity Africa, a non-profit organisation and taps into the already established audience of Live Magazine SA.
Livity Africa group debate