Youth political participation, engagement and disengagement in Galeshewe, a South African Township in Kimberley.

Abstract

Studies on youth and politics often overlook the perspectives of young people themselves when examining their lack of participation in politics. Despite South Africa's transition to democracy, there has been a concerning decline in youth involvement and participation in politics. This study examines youth's understanding of their political participation and issues which inform their dis(engagement) in and from politics. By understanding their political lifeworld, we can recognize their lived experiences and their role as active political participants in confined political structures. While South African youth have led significant movements like the #FeesMustFall, #RohodesMustFall, and #TuksUprising campaigns among others, it is important to investigate the growing trend of political disengagement among them. The disconnect between activism and political participation among youth is a fundamental issue that needs careful examination, especially considering South Africa's unique sociopolitical and socioeconomic dynamics. I therefore argue that the youth’s understanding and experience in politics, as well as their participation in politics, is informed by their precarious socio-economic and political conditions which are characterised by a lack of trust in existing political institutions. These socioeconomic conditions have also instituted a lack of faith and trust in political institutions and structures in promoting social stability and sustainable economic development. This study draws from Giddens’ (1984) structuration theory to analyse how the youth understand and experience youth participation in politics. The duality of structure and agency is critical in our understanding of how youth engage with politics in the context of democracy. This study is qualitative as it utilised in-depth interviews and life stories as the primary methods of data collection. The findings of this study ascertain that youth view that they are poorly represented in politics, since a few of them occupy leadership positions. This study contributes to debates on youth participation in politics, particularly how they understand politics and what informs their engagement and disengagement in politics.