Page 118 - UKZN Proceedings of the Conference Report

processes, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and considered in municipal governance. The following quote represents some of the notable comments made by participants in this regard:
“There are several essential features that need to be considered, such as event calendar, community forums, and voting surveys.” (Participant 600)
Promoting digital literacy and civic engagement
Thesub-theme‘Promotingdigitalliteracyandcivicengage- ment’ underscores the critical role of smartphone applica- tions in empowering users, particularly young people, to actively engage with municipal processes. This is achieved through several strategies. First, tutorials integrated into the app provide users with step-by-step guidance on navigat- ing features, fostering digital confidence and accessibility. Gamified elements are employed to sustain user interest and encourage consistent interaction with the platform. Ad- ditionally, youth-focused campaigns are designed to raise awareness about the importance of digital participation and to motivate younger demographics to engage in civic matters. Partnerships with educational institutions, such as schools, further enhance digital literacy by introducing workshops that equip students with the necessary skills to use the app effectively. Finally, user analytics serve as a feed- back mechanism, enabling the development of targeted engagement strategies that address user needs and prefer- ences, thereby optimising participation outcomes.
“[...] teach everyone how to download it and it has to provide feedback.” (Participant 38)
“To enhance participation in municipal matters through smartphone apps, I would need additional support in the form of collaboration with local government officials to ensure the app aligns with municipal needs and processes. Access to data and analytics would be crucial for understanding user engagement and improving app features. Funding for continuous development and maintenance would help keep up-to-date and functional. Additionally, outreach and educational resources to raise awareness about the app and its benefits would help increase user adoption and participation.” (Participant 79)
Challenges and motivators to youth participation in municipal matters
The second overarching theme,‘Challenges and motivators to youth participation in municipal matters’, addresses both the obstacles and drivers influencing youth involvement in municipal governance, particularly through existing participatory platforms such as smartphone apps. This theme explores contrasting perspectives on youth engagement within municipalities. A comprehensive overview of the two sub-themes and their corresponding codes is outlined in Table 3, with each sub-theme discussed in detail in the sections that follow.
table 3: Summary of the sub-themes and codes of the overarching theme ‘Challenges and motivators to youth participation in municipal matters’
Sub-themes and codes
Perceived barriers to engagement in municipal governance
Lack of awareness and information
Youth feel uninformed about municipal programmes, policies, and participation opportunities.
Distrust of municipal systems
Negative perceptions of corruption and inefficiency discourage involvement
Complex bureaucratic processes
Difficulty navigating municipal structures and procedures creates disengagement
Limited digital access and literacy
Unequal access to smartphones, internet, and technical skills hinders participation
Incentives and opportunities for youth engagement
Recognition and rewards for contributions
Providing incentives like certificates, internships, or public acknowledgment motivates youth to participate
opportunities for skills development
Municipal participation seen as a platform to learn leadership, communication, and civic skills
Platforms for social impact
Engaging with municipal projects that directly address local challenges encourages involvement
Youth-specific engagement strategies
Targeted programmes, such as youth councils or forums, designed specifically for young people's needs and interests
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