The role of the youth in Zambia’s democratic dispensation: a case of selected townships of Lusaka district.
Date
2017
Authors
Musonda, Patricia
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
This research was based on the role of the youth in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation in
selected townships of Lusaka district. Its main purpose was to establish the role of the youth in
Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation and also suggest possible ways to enhance proper youth
participation. The study was guided by the following main research question ‗What is the role of
the youth in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation? This question formed the main basis for the
achievement of the study‘s overarching purpose outlined above. A qualitative methodology was
used to gather data for this research. Data was gathered using semi-structured interviews and
focus group interviews/discussion. The research participants included: political party youth
leaders, community youth leaders and youths from selected townships of Lusaka district.
The following findings resulted from the study: Youths have been marginalised in Zambia‘s
Democratic Dispensation, they have been used as tools of violence, participating in negative
vices such as riots and political party fights as political cadres, their image has been destroyed
and they cannot be trusted; Youths should stand as councilors and members of parliament
representing their community, they should also engage in educating community members on
national political matters; Youth participation enhances Democracy through the various activities
that the youth take part in such as voting, discussions and debates on television and radio;
Youths encounter a number of challenges such as unemployment, lack of practical skills, lack of
funds, marginalization and all these hinder effective youth participation; A number of strategies
can be suggested to enhance effective youth participation in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation
such as providing youth with necessary practical skills, creating employment and provide funds
for entrepreneurial ventures.
The main conclusion of the study was that youths have been greatly marginalised in Zambia‘s
Democratic Dispensation and their image has been destroyed over the years. The leaders in
power choose to use the youths as tools of violence, playing the role of political cadres and
pushing political agendas. Youths could play more formidable roles such councilors, members of
parliament, engaging in national discussions on policy issues and also sensitising community
members on important national matters. This is all because youth participation enhances
democracy through the above stated activities. The Youth encounter challenges that hinder and
block their effective participation in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation and as such efforts
should be made to address such challenges. One of the main Recommendations pointed out by
the study is that more youths should be appointed to leadership positions and that employment
and funds should be provided to the youth in order to enable them stand on their own as well as
enhance their effective participation in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation.
Key terms: Democracy; Dispensation; Youth; Politics; Violence; Strategies; Identity;
Participation, Challenge; Enhance
Description
Thesis
Keywords
Youths and politics. , Youth and democracy.