About us
WHY ENGAGE?
Over the past decade, we have globally witnessed a rise in polarisation and more autocratic forms of governance that negatively affect the quality of democracy and human rights in many ways and limit our capacity to address the current and imminent social, economic and environmental challenges in meaningful ways. South Africa has been no exception. Even though we made the transition to democracy 31 years ago and have one of the most progressive and inclusive constitutions worldwide, recent years show a preoccupying weakening of democratic processes and institutions. Inequality, unemployment and corruption have been on a constant rise and many critical issues of social justice have been left widely unaddressed.
Youth between the ages of 14 and 35 comprise 34.7% of the population in South Africa and are the most heavily affected by the rising unemployment, inequality and lack of opportunities.
Yet, they are widely excluded from the country’s social, political and economic decision-making and often not provided with opportunities to develop the necessary knowledge, skills and platforms for active civic participation and leadership.
Data from countless national and international studies clearly shows that, contrary to generalised perceptions of “youth being apathetic”, a majority of today’s youth in South Africa are very concerned about social, environmental and political issues but feel disconnected from their government and excluded from decision-making processes.
Promoting a strong and meaningful participation of youth in democracy, as well as providing platforms for the youth’s voice to be heard is therefore more important than ever.
ABOUT ENGAGE
We founded Engage South Africa in 2017 because we are convinced that youth have a critical role to play in the shaping of more inclusive, just and sustainable societies and that we urgently need to educate and empower youth for active leadership and civic participation and create platforms to connect youth to decision-making spaces.
OUR VISION
A connected democratic South Africa, co-created by civically engaged Youth
OUR MISSION
To actively promote youth leadership and civic engagement to strengthen democracy and human rights in South Africa
OUR VALUES
We do not affiliate with any particular political party, religion or ideology. We promote honest and constructive dialogue, awareness, non-violence and positive engagement of youth in society. We believe in human rights, responsibility, freedom of choice and the power of diversity. We actively promote equality in terms of gender, race and economic opportunities and condemn all forms of discrimination.
ORGANISATIONAL GOALS
1) To equip youth with the knowledge, skills and confidence for active leadership and civic engagement
2) To empower and support youth to be co-creators of community-based action for human rights and democracy
3) To connect youth to platforms and decision-making spaces where they can exercise their civic rights and responsibilities
OUR ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE
In order to strengthen our long-term financial sustainability, we function as a social hybrid organisation: Our Non-Profit Branch Engage For All NPC is eligible for grants and donations and able to bring our programmes to the most disadvantaged schools and communities in South Africa, while the Engage South Africa business provides fee-paying training and consultancy services, generating an additional income that supports the non-profit branch. The administration, banking and financials of Engage For All NPC and Engage South Africa are kept separate at all times to ensure full transparency. All grants, project funding and donations go exclusively to Engage For All NPC and our work with disadvantaged schools and communities.
