By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – Young people are reframing human rights as active participation, calling on voters to elect educated, ethical leaders who serve communities, not themselves.
Speaking at Maluti TVET College’s Kwetlisong Campus on 20 March, students marked Human Rights Day with a clear message: democracy lives or dies through citizen involvement.
“Human rights are not abstract—they are lived through participation and accountability,” said Penwell Silinda, a Bachelor of Education student at the University of the Free State’s Qwaqwa campus.
Silinda stressed the need for competent leadership.
“We must choose leaders who understand governance, budgets and problem-solving – leaders with vision, not those chasing personal gain.”
Tumelo Sonopo, an IT student and Phaballong resident, said voting remains a powerful tool for change.
“South Africa’s future depends on us. If we want change, we must participate.”
Student leader Hope Motchesane said democracy extends beyond the ballot.
“Voting is just the start. Real leadership is accountability—leaders who return, listen and report back.”
Mokgadi Sathekge added that despite challenges facing graduates, disengagement is not an option.
“We cannot abandon the system—we must shape it.”
Students also welcomed voting arrangements allowing them to cast ballots on campus while remaining registered in their home districts.
Their message signals a generational shift: human rights are not just entitlements, but responsibilities.
With elections approaching, the Electoral Commission of South Africa is intensifying campus campaigns, with a voter registration v beginning.
