Democracy Development Program

*Underway* The DDP in Msunduzi Municipality hosts Public Participation in Local Government and Voter Education Dialogue. #yourvoteyourvoicemakitcount @MsunduziM

[Happy Human Rights Day, South Africa] At the DDP, we believe every voice matters. This Human Rights Day, we continue working towards dignity and equality for all. #yourvoteyourvoicemakeitcount

[Currently Underway] The DDP convenes the SJI Civic Education Dialogue at Amaoti, Inanda, to bring the community together to tackle urgent issues like crime and access to water. Conversations like these matter especially ahead of local government elections. They empower residents to speak up, demand accountability, and actively shape the future of their communities. An informed community is a powerful community. #yourvoteyourvoicemakeitcount #LGE26 @SocialJusticeSA @IECSouthAfrica @inanda884fm

The Democracy Development Program (DDP) hosted a Civic Education Dialogue at UKZN’s Edgewood Campus in preparation for the upcoming 2026/2027 Local Government Elections. Amid growing social and economic challenges, many young people are feeling overwhelmed, leading to increasing apathy and political disengagement. Yet, as the majority of the population, youth are also the most affected by these challenges. This makes it critical to create meaningful platforms where young people can voice their frustrations, engage in dialogue, and contribute to solutions. Ultimately, their vote remains one of the most powerful tools they have to drive change. Thank you to our partners, The Centre for Community Development, for contributing to making this dialogue a success. #yourvoteyourvoicemakeitcount

[Happening Now] The DDP, in collaboration with the Mariann Coordinating Committee, convenes a community dialogue in Mariannridge to discuss the ongoing water and electricity crises. Joining the discussion are local community members and representatives from the eThekwini Electricity Department. This discussion provides a crucial platform for residents to share their concerns and receive answers from elected officials. #yourvoteyourvoicemakeitcount

Today’s Migration Committee Workshop at Elangeni Hotel is underway, led by Gugu Madonsela. Driving informed decisions and impactful solutions. #MigrationCommittee #ElangeniHotel #CollaborateToInnovate @DonsyKunene19 @kaylanpk @SphaNjomane

Internet shutdowns are more than technical disruptions; they are a direct threat to democracy. In his latest article for CREDO at Stellenbosch University, Dr Paul Kariuki unpacks how growing digital repression across Africa undermines civic participation, weakens institutions, and restricts citizens’ fundamental rights. A connected Africa is essential for accountable leadership, free expression, and resilient democracies. Protecting digital freedoms is protecting our future. #DigitalRights #DemocracyInAfrica #InternetFreedom #CivicSpace #HumanRights #AfricaRising #GoodGovernance #TechAndDemocracy #DigitalJustice #CREDO #StellenboschUniversity

#YourVoteYourVoiceMakeitCount #LGE26 @IECSouthAfrica

It is important to know which elections you are voting in, and to understand the role of local governance. Local Government Elections (LGE) shape the communities we live in every day. 📢They decide: 🔹Who represents you in your ward and becomes the voice of your community 🔹Who leads your municipality, including the mayor and council 🔹How public money is spent, and which community priorities come first 🔹How services are delivered, from water and electricity to roads, housing, and waste removal 🔹How accountable local leaders are to the people they serve Simply put, Local Government Elections determine how your community is run and how your future is shaped. When you vote, you’re not just choosing leaders, you’re choosing the kind of community you want to live in. #RegisterToVote #WozaLGE #MzansiVotes

[DDP in Action | Hammarsdale] Yesterday’s Local Government Dialogue created a platform for young people, especially those classified as NEET, to engage with institutions responsible for governance, education, and skills development. As the DDP, we are committed to building active citizens and preparing the youth to participate meaningfully in future local government processes. #yourvoteyourvoicemakeitcount

Tune into the Voice of the @VOCfm today at 12h00 and catch DDP's Dr. Paul Kariuki as he discusses the improvement on Africa's Trading Infrastructure and Business Confidence, and how all this could impact regular citizens. #yourvoteyourvoicemakeitcount

The DDP, working with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) and uMsinga Local Municipality, recently hosted a Local Government and Civic Education Dialogue. This engagement created an important platform for community members to understand better how local government works, the role of municipalities in service delivery, and how citizens can actively participate in democratic processes. Conversations like this become particularly important as the build-up to the 2026/2027 Local Government Elections intensifies. We extend our sincere appreciation to all the stakeholders who made this dialogue a success. #yourvoteyourvoicemakeitcount

New publications are out! Don’t miss out - read the latest on our blog now. #LGE2026 #YourVoteYourVoiceMakeitCount Check this out: ddp.org.za

*Coming Up: Administration workshop* Join our Administration Training Workshop and gain the skills to lead with confidence, clarity, and excellence. Requirements to join the workshop: 5 years of experience. A letter from the employer confirming your role in the organisation. Motivation letter to attend the workshop. Portfolio of evidence, such as sample minutes or sample agenda. Date: 31 March 2026 Time: 08:00 – 14:30 Venue: DDP Offices Register Here: app.glueup.com/event/administ… #yourvoteyourvotemakeitcount

[Happy International Women's Day] From the office corridors to the streets of our communities, women continue to lead and inspire. Today and every other day we celebrate you #yourvoteyourvoicemakeitcount

Catch Dr Paul Kariuki today on the Voice of the Cape as he discusses the “Chaos in African Skies After War Erupts in the Middle East”. Don’t miss this critical discussion. #YourVoiceYourVoiceMakeItCount!

Over the past two days, the DDP participated in the Youth Engagement Session hosted by the @IECSouthAfrica This session brought together prominent young leaders from across sectors, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to better understand voter registration, electoral processes, and meaningful democratic participation. By strengthening their understanding of the electoral system, these young leaders are better positioned to take this information back to their constituencies, fostering informed communities and encouraging active citizenship ahead of the elections. #yourvoteyourvoicemakeitcount

[snippets from last week’s forum] #yourvoteyourvoicemakeitcount

[That's a wrap] Yesterday, the DDP held a successful Public Forum on SONA'26. Our post-SONA engagement created a much-needed space for critical reflection. The speakers did exceptionally well in breaking down the address and connecting it to the lived realities of South Africans. The discussion was vibrant, honest, and solution-driven, and exactly the kind of engagement our democracy needs. #Yourvoteyourvoicemakeitcount