On February 7th, Zinqobele Secondary School became a focal point for civic engagement as GCIS, in collaboration with IEC, Childline KZN, SANCA Zululand, and Lifeline Zululand, orchestrated a dynamic school activation. The initiative aimed to amplify awareness and capture the perspectives of learners regarding #SONA 2024.
During the activation, students were not only motivated to engage with traditional media like television and radio but were also encouraged to utilize social media platforms as President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on February 8th, 2024, at 19:00 pm. The President’s speech in this year’s SONA will spotlight the government’s program of action and outline key priorities for the year, offering a comprehensive report on the progress made in the preceding financial year.
IEC took an active role in the activation, advocating for online voter registration for the upcoming 2024 elections. On-site, they facilitated the process of checking and registering students to vote, fostering a sense of civic responsibility among the youth.
In a significant outreach effort, Ms. Ndala Mngadi, the GCIS Provincial director, extended the initiative’s impact by having an interview with North Coast Radio. In this interview, she explained to the community at large the essence of SONA and underscored the importance of actively listening and watching. Her engagement with the wider community further emphasized the commitment to ensuring that citizens are informed and engaged in the democratic process.
This collaborative effort, inclusive of both school and community outreach, exemplifies a commitment to engaging the youth and the broader community in the democratic process, ensuring their voices are heard and their perspectives valued in shaping the nation’s future.
