First African Union Chapter launched at UCT

12 May 2015 | Story by Newsroom
Khutso Modiselle and Tracy Wamucii.
Khutso Modiselle and Tracy Wamucii.

A mentorship programme, a journal and an annual talk shop that seeks to address uniquely African problems are some of the elements that will be embarked upon by the first African Union chapter established on the continent.

The founders, Khutso Modiselle (pictured left), a postgrad law student and secretary-general of the UCT SRC, and Tracy Wamucii (right), a recent UCT graduate, believe that the chapter can contribute to government policy implementation and evaluation.

"We need to acknowledge there is a youth bulge in Africa and that by not addressing this fact we are not empowering the youth, who take over the mantel as leaders from those serving as leaders now. We need to therefore mentor and guide the incoming generation by paying it forward, to empower them to carry out effective and efficient leadership," said Tracey.

The launch of the society on 8 May also saw them adopting the African Youth Charter.

According to Khutso, the chapter will among other activities run a mentorship programme for local youths. "We will publish an annual journal with contributions from academics from UCT and other universities as well as students. We will organise an annual debate and will host an African United Nations, which will promote dialogue between student representative councils from tertiary institutions across the continent. The aim of this talk shop will be to come up with solutions to African problems."

Story by Abigail Calata. Photo by Michael Hammond.


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