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upon reasonable request and approval by relevant ethical committees. Any requests for data access must ensure that participant anonymity is preserved in accordance with the study’s ethical guidelines.
funding: This study is not funded by any organisation.
declaration of interest: I hereby declare that this research was conducted independently and objectively, without any conflict of interest. The study has not been influenced by any personal, financial, or professional interests that could compromise the integrity and objectivity of the research findings. Any resources, tools, or collaborations mentioned in this work are acknowledged solely for the purpose of enhancing the research, and no external entities have exerted undue influence over the design, methodology, data collection, analysis, or dissemination of the research. I affirm that the conclusions drawn in this study are based solely on the data collected and the thematic analysis conducted, and are free from bias or external pressures. Furthermore, any affiliations, associations, or collaborations that may relate to the research have been disclosed in a transparent manner.
authors’ contributions: Nqoba Ngidi and Dr Sphumele Lucky Nkomo conceptualised the study, designed the research methodology, and conducted data collection and analysis. N.I Ngidi, the author was responsible for drafting the manuscript and interpreting the findings. Additionally, Nqoba Ngidi played a key role in reviewing relevant literature, conducting the thematic analysis, and providing insights into the significance of youth engagement in municipal matters. N.I Ngidi also contributed to refining the app design recommendations based on participant feedback and led the collaboration with local government officials and educational institutions to ensure the study’s relevance and applicability. All aspects of the research, including the writing and revision of the final manuscript, were completed by Nqoba Ngidi, Siyabonga Msweli, Sicelo Ngcobo, and Sandile Zulu.
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