Namatai Kwekweza Advocates for Youth Engagement in Democracy

Namatai Kwekweza, a democracy activist detained in Zimbabwe last year, spoke at the FVZS Honorary Lecture about the role of African youth in fostering leadership through constitutionalism. Highlighting her experiences, she called for dialogue on the ‘constitutional promise’ and encouraged youths to use their voices for change. Dr. Heidi October echoed her sentiments, emphasizing the struggle for democracy.

Democracy activist Namatai Kwekweza, previously detained in Zimbabwe and thus unable to speak at last year’s 12th annual Frederik Van Zyl-Slabbert Honorary Lecture, recently addressed reflections on three decades of democracy as the inaugural speaker in the FVZS lunch-hour conversation series. Winner of the 2023 Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize, she emphasized the role of African youth in showcasing citizen leadership via constitutionalism.

Kwekweza highlighted her personal journey, including a recent 35 days in jail for alleged disorderly conduct during a protest, urging for increased dialogue regarding the “constitutional promise.” She asserted, “The reality is that the past is done, the past is gone. And we are here now. As young South Africans, what are we doing to add to the realization of the constitutional promise?”

She cautioned against individuals seeking power who manipulate the constitution for personal gain rather than accountability, encouraging youth to resist these influences. Kwekweza proclaimed the power of youth, stating, “We have our bodies, we have our minds, we have our voices, and we have the spirit of our struggle.” She underscored the indomitable spirit that persists even in incarceration.

Addressing the efficacy of constitutions, Kwekweza remarked, “Constitutions are only as powerful as how we know them, and how we believe them, and (through) what we are doing to ensure that they are delivered.” She warned that a lack of faith in the constitution diminishes it to mere paper and implored young people to advocate for a “constitutional future” by mainstreaming their voices in the dialogue. Kwekweza stated, “We don’t need permission to organize, and we don’t need permission to act.”

In her concluding remarks, Dr. Heidi October, head of the Frederik van Zyl Slabbert Institute, referenced Kwekweza’s impactful statement: “We must always be cognizant of the cost of the struggle of democracy, and depending on which part of the world you belong to and you live in, the cost might actually be higher.”

In summary, Namatai Kwekweza’s recent address at the FVZS lecture emphasized the crucial role of African youth in realizing constitutional promises. Drawing from her personal experiences, she highlighted the need for accountability among those in power and empowered the youth to take action without seeking permission. Her reflections serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made for democracy and the importance of keeping constitutional ideals vibrant and impactful.

Original Source: www.sun.ac.za