The role of the youth in Zambia’s democratic dispensation: a case of selected townships of Lusaka district.

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.