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Role of Youth in Holding the Government of Lesotho Accountable: Lessons from the Bacha Shutdown Movement

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Theko Tlebere

Even though I am no longer a youth because of my age, at heart I always feel youthful; hence, I take it to heart when youth movements like Bacha Shutdown increasingly become vital advocates for accountability in Lesotho, pressing the government for urgent action on issues such as unemployment, economic inequality, and social justice. A recent open letter from Bacha Shutdown to the National Assembly and Cabinet exemplifies youth engagement in governance. However, it raises an important question: is this type of action sufficient to achieve meaningful impact? Can it lead to tangible change, or should it be supported by broader strategies? This week, I want us to look at the impact rather than just the act of writing a letter to the Cabinet.

Is Writing Letters Enough?

The letter addressed significant national issues, including corruption, unemployment, youth and gender inclusion, and resource mismanagement. By directly engaging the government, the Bacha Shutdown demonstrated commendable organisation and maturity, turning their grievances into actionable requests. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of such correspondence often depends on the government’s willingness to engage in dialogue. While the letter represents a constructive first step, it cannot stand alone. If ignored or inadequately addressed, the demands may lose momentum, further eroding public trust in the government’s accountability mechanisms. Consequently, youth must be ready to escalate their advocacy through additional avenues to ensure their voices are heard and acted upon. The broader implications of their demands highlight the urgent need for a systemic approach to addressing the multifaceted issues endemic in Lesotho.

Beyond Writing Letters: Building Momentum for Change

Stakeholder Collaboration: Partnering with civil society organisations, academic institutions, and international bodies can significantly amplify youth voices. By forming coalitions, youth movements can access broader platforms and resources, enabling them to advocate for systemic change more effectively. These collaborations can foster a deeper impact by leveraging collective strengths and insights. The pooling of resources, knowledge, and expertise through partnerships creates a more robust advocacy framework, ensuring that youth concerns are not only heard but also prioritised in national dialogues.

Community Mobilisation: Grassroots campaigns are essential for ensuring that demands truly reflect the people’s collective will. Regular town hall meetings, focus groups, and online campaigns can gather input, strengthen community support, and encourage active participation from diverse segments of society. By fostering inclusive dialogue, youth movements can cultivate a sense of ownership and commitment within the community. This engagement not only solidifies support for the movement but also empowers citizens to take an active role in shaping the political landscape, ensuring that their voices resonate in discussions surrounding accountability and governance.

Youth Representation in Decision-Making: While writing letters and organising protests are crucial, these efforts must evolve into structural participation within the government. This includes lobbying for constitutional reforms that guarantee proportional youth representation in parliament and government advisory boards, ensuring that youth voices directly influence policy-making processes. Institutionalising youth representation would not only validate the concerns raised by youth movements but also pave the way for sustainable change, allowing for the integration of fresh perspectives that prioritise the needs and aspirations of younger generations in Lesotho.

Policy Research and Advocacy: Presenting data-driven solutions alongside grievances enhances credibility and effectiveness in advocacy. For instance, proposing a well-researched model for youth and women’s funds, complete with eligibility criteria and sustainability mechanisms, makes their demands more actionable and compelling, providing the government with a clear framework for implementation. This approach not only conveys the seriousness of the requests but also showcases the thorough groundwork and consideration that have gone into the proposals, making it harder for policymakers to dismiss or ignore them.

Legal and Peaceful Demonstrations: When dialogue fails, peaceful demonstrations and legal actions can effectively maintain pressure on the government. These methods must be supported by clear communication of the movement’s goals to prevent misinterpretation and ensure that the message reaches both the public and policymakers. By framing demonstrations not merely as protests but as platforms for dialogue and expressions of specific demands, the movement can foster constructive discourse that emphasises the importance of the issues at hand.

The strength of Bacha Shutdown lies in its ability to unify diverse youth voices, creating a formidable force for change. This unity should be harnessed to monitor the government’s response to their demands and hold leaders accountable. For instance, establishing timelines for addressing critical issues like unemployment or implementing a cash grant system allows for evaluating the government against clear benchmarks, promoting a culture of responsiveness and accountability. Furthermore, youth movements should advocate for transparency in government operations, including demands for public disclosures of resource allocations and progress reports on reforms, which can minimise corruption and foster trust among the populace. By encouraging collective action and sustained engagement with various stakeholders, the movement can cultivate a more participatory political culture that empowers young people as key agents of their future.

The youth of Lesotho, represented by movements like Bacha Shutdown, are critical stakeholders in the nation’s future. While writing letters is an essential first step in holding the government accountable, it must be part of a broader strategy that includes direct participation in decision-making, community mobilisation, and advocacy for systemic change. By adopting these strategies, the youth can ensure that their voices lead to tangible improvements in governance and social equity, ultimately shaping a better future for Lesotho. Their activism must evolve to sustain momentum and deepen engagement, paving the way for long-lasting reform and social justice. The future is NOW!

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