Catholic Church prepares young people for active citizenship ahead of local government elections

The Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) is increasing civic education efforts to encourage young people to participate in South Africa's local government elections on 4 November. Through its Commission for Justice and Peace, the SACBC is working with Citizens ZA and the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) to teach youth how to engage in democracy and hold elected leaders accountable.

Since July, the program has organized three main gatherings. The first meeting on 17 July brought together young people from six deaneries in the Archdiocese of Johannesburg to serve as democracy ambassadors within their parishes and communities. A second event, the Catholic Women’s Civic Engagement Indaba, was held on 15 August at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Johannesburg to discuss leadership and the common good.

A third gathering focused on youth concerns regarding opportunities to understand public life and influence community decisions. Philani Mkhize oversees the program for the SACBC, while Ntlantla Madinane manages Justice and Peace for the Archdiocese of Johannesburg.