By Johnathan Paoli
The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) has called on families and communities across the country to mark Freedom Day by actively educating children about democracy, active citizenship, and the rule of law through storytelling.
As the country commemorates 32 years of democracy on Monday, SALGA said society has a critical role to play in shaping a new generation of informed and responsible citizens, particularly at a time when democratic values must be strengthened and protected.
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“Society can play an active role in helping children to understand their freedoms, respect the rule of law, and participate meaningfully in building a better local government system for all,” the organisation said in a statement.
South Africa is scheduled to hold its sixth Local Government Elections later this year or early next year.
This year’s Freedom Day is being observed under the theme “Freedom and the Rule of Law: Thirty Years of Democratic Citizenship”, which SALGA said underscores the importance of accountability, active participation and respect for democratic institutions.
Freedom Day marks the anniversary of South Africa’s first democratic elections on 27 April in 1994, a milestone regarded as the foundation of the country’s constitutional democracy.
SALGA said the commemoration remains a “powerful reminder” of the sacrifices made to secure democracy and the responsibilities that come with living in a free, constitutional society.
As the representative body for all 257 municipalities in the country, SALGA said it is using the occasion to focus on empowering future citizens, particularly as 2026 marks 30 years of organised local government in democratic South Africa.
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The association emphasised that democratic citizenship should be nurtured from an early age, with parents, guardians and caregivers playing a central role in helping children understand how government works and why civic participation matters.
SALGA President, Councillor Bheke Stofile said investing in young people is essential to safeguarding the country’s democratic future.
“Children are the roots that nourish the future of our democracy. If we invest in them properly, through education, values and guidance, they will grow into citizens who contribute positively to society. But if we neglect this responsibility, we cannot expect ethical and committed leadership in the future. As local government practitioners, we see young people as that vital foundation which must grow into responsible citizens who serve their communities, strengthen the nation and care for older generations,” he said.
As part of its efforts to promote civic education among children, SALGA highlighted its 2022 publication of a children’s e-book titled My Local Government, which introduces young readers to the functions and responsibilities of municipalities.
The book explains key concepts such as service delivery, democratic participation, elections and accountability in a format designed to be accessible and engaging for children.
It also encourages respect for public infrastructure and promotes peaceful participation in civic processes.
Stofile said it is vital that children are not excluded from conversations about the country’s democratic journey and future.
“At the heart of safeguarding our democratic gains is ensuring that the young ones are not left behind and that they are conscientised to appreciate the journey we have travelled so far. Our children are the benefactors of the better country we are working towards and as such we need to involve them at an early age to appreciate the various instruments and institutions that are central to sustaining our democracy. This includes understanding how local government works,” he said.
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SALGA has encouraged educators, parents and caregivers to use the e-book as a practical tool to initiate conversations about democracy and citizenship in homes, schools and early childhood development centres.
To ensure accessibility, the organisation said My Local Government is available in digital format and can be downloaded free of charge from its website, allowing widespread use across communities.
SALGA said storytelling offers a simple yet effective way to bridge generational gaps in understanding democracy, particularly for children born after 1994 who may not fully grasp the historical context of the country’s freedoms.
By equipping young people with knowledge about their rights and responsibilities, the association believes communities can help build a more active, informed and accountable citizenry capable of strengthening local governance and democratic institutions in the years ahead.
