The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) has urged families and communities to empower young people, to gain a better understanding of democracy, through storytelling as part of the ongoing commemoration of the Freedom Day.
SALGA says this focus is significant as this year marks 30 years of the association and 30 years of organised local government, which it describes both as a milestone that highlights the role municipalities have played in deepening democracy at community level since 1994.
The Association’s President Bheki Stofile told YOU FM Newshour that society can play an active role in helping children to understand their freedoms, respect the rule of law and participate meaningfully in building a better local government system for all.
“Children are the roots that nourish the future of our democracy.
If we invest in them properly, through education, values and guidance, they will grow into citizens who contribute positively to society.
But if we neglect this responsibility, we cannot expect ethical and committed leadership in the future.
As local government practitioners, we see young people as that vital foundation which must grow into responsible citizens who serve their communities, strengthen the nation and care for older generations,” said Stofile.
According to Stofile, local government is an integral part of society and children must always be included on every project related to government.
“As the association representing all 257 municipalities, SALGA is using this occasion to focus on empowering future citizens and educating children on responsible citizenry through storytelling,” remarked Stofile.
SALGA published a children’s eBook in 2022 titled “My Local Government,” which explains the role of municipalities through an engaging and age-appropriate confidential story.
“The book introduces children to the work of local government, including service delivery, democratic participation, elections, accountability and respect for the rule of law.
Through storytelling, the book helps children understand that while protest is a democratic right, peaceful and constructive participation is essential for building strong communities.
It also encourages respect for public infrastructure and promotes responsible, informed citizenship,”
At the heart of safeguarding our democratic gains is ensuring that the young ones are not left behind and that they are conscientize to appreciate the journey we have travelled so far,” emphasised SALGA President.
The association is also engaging the Departments of Basic Education and Social Development to foster a working relationship in ensuring children are not left behind when issues of local government are discussed.
–
