As South Africa prepares for local government elections on 4 November, the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC), through its Commission for Justice and Peace, is intensifying civic education efforts to encourage young people to participate in democracy and hold elected leaders accountable.

Working in partnership with Citizens ZA and the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), the initiative has organised three main gatherings since July, focusing on youth participation, women’s civic engagement and continued education for young Catholics.

Philani Mkhize, who oversees the initiative at SACBC level, and Ntlantla Madinane, responsible for Justice and Peace in the Archdiocese of Johannesburg, spoke to the SACBC Communications Office about the programme and its next steps.

Three gatherings to promote civic participation

The first gathering, held on 17 July, brought together young people from six deaneries of the Archdiocese of Johannesburg to become ambassadors of democracy in their parishes and communities.

A second gathering, the Catholic Women’s Civic Engagement Indaba, took place on 15 August at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Johannesburg, providing a space for women to reflect on leadership, citizenship and their contribution to the common good.

The third youth-focused gathering responded to concerns raised by young people who wanted greater opportunities to understand democracy and engage in public life. Participants explored active citizenship, accountability and what they could do to influence decisions affecting their communities.

Madinane said the initiative grew out of conversations with young people who felt excluded from democratic discussions.

“They are interested in democracy, but we never give them spaces to engage,” he recalled them saying.

Mkhize explained that the programme seeks to address voter apathy and disillusionment by helping young people recognise their responsibility in shaping the country’s future.

From voting to holding leaders accountable

Beyond encouraging young people to vote, the workshops have equipped participants with practical knowledge about attending municipal council meetings, submitting petitions, engaging councillors and influencing local budget priorities.

Madinane said some participants had previously questioned the value of voting because they believed it would not make a difference. The civic education sessions helped them understand that their democratic responsibilities continue after election day.

The initiative also encourages communities to pursue constructive solutions to service delivery challenges rather than resorting to the destruction of public property.

Young participants welcomed the opportunity to discuss corruption, whistleblowing and the role of the Church in public life. They emphasised the need for continued civic education and for faith communities to help young people understand their rights and responsibilities.

Young Catholics call for continued engagement

Participants welcomed the opportunity to discuss democratic participation, accountability and the role of the Church in public life.

Tshegofatso Mogoshi, from St Peter’s Parish in Pimville, described the civic education session as insightful, particularly in addressing concerns about corruption, whistleblowing and the safe reporting of wrongdoing.

He stressed the importance of creating spaces where young people can discuss these issues and understand how their participation can influence the country’s future.

Meanwhile, Palesa Madlhejwane, from St Hubert’s Parish in Alexandra, called on the Church to continue engaging with social and political issues, saying young people needed guidance in discerning truth and standing up for what is right.

Following reports of students arrested during anti-undocumented migrant protests that turned violent in parts of South Africa, Madlhejwane urged young people to exercise their democratic rights peacefully, emphasising that voting is one way to hold elected leaders accountable.

Final parish activations ahead of 4 November

In the Archdiocese of Johannesburg, the programme is continuing with parish-based activities to encourage registered voters, particularly young people, to participate in the elections.

According to Madinane, the final mobilisation activities began on 27 September. Further gatherings are scheduled for 14 October at St Albert’s Parish, 18 October at St Hubert’s Parish in Alexandra, and 25 October at St Martin’s Parish in Soweto.

These activities aim to encourage young people to translate the knowledge gained through the programme into action by casting their ballots on election day.

For the SACBC Commission for Justice and Peace, the initiative is part of a broader commitment to responsible citizenship, ethical leadership and the common good.

As the elections approach, Mkhize urged young people to take their responsibility seriously: “Get up, show up and vote,” he urged.