Namatai Kwekweza, a democracy activist, spoke at the FVZS Honorary Lecture after being previously detained. She outlined the importance of youth leadership in constitutionalism, drawing from her own experiences in activism and imprisonment. Her call to action emphasized civic engagement and the need to secure faith in constitutional principles.
Democracy activist Namatai Kwekweza made her first public address at the 12th annual Frederik Van Zyl-Slabbert (FVZS) Honorary Lecture, following previous detention that prevented her from speaking. Reflecting on 30 years of democracy, Kwekweza emphasized the role of African youth in demonstrating citizen leadership via constitutionalism, particularly drawing from her personal experiences, including her recent imprisonment for alleged disorderly conduct at a protest.
She underscored the importance of engaging in discussions surrounding the “constitutional promise,” urging young South Africans to work towards realizing this promise. Kwekweza warned that those seeking power might exploit the constitution instead of abiding by it. Nonetheless, she encouraged the youth to utilize their capabilities: “We have our bodies, we have our minds, we have our voices, and we have the spirit of our struggle.”
Kwekweza articulated that the true strength of constitutions lies in public understanding and belief, as they risk becoming ineffective without civic trust. She called on young people to actively contribute to a “constitutional future” by exercising their voices and taking initiative without waiting for permission.
In closing, Dr. Heidi October of the Frederik van Zyl Slabbert Institute echoed Kwekweza’s insights, reinforcing the notion of being aware of the price paid for democracy, which can differ significantly across regions.
Namatai Kwekweza’s address highlights the vital role of youth in advocating for democracy and constitutional engagement. Her personal experiences underscore the challenges faced in this struggle and the importance of collective action. By encouraging the youth to confidently assert their rights and responsibilities, Kwekweza aims to empower the next generation to actively shape their democratic future.
Original Source: www.sun.ac.za
