Jokate Mwegelo represents Southern Africa’s Liberation Youth Movements at the liberation movement youth festival

Tanzania’s Jokate Mwegelo has been appointed to represent the youth of Southern Africa’s Liberation Movement parties, delivering a compelling address at a high-level summit attended by dignitaries, political leaders, and international guests.

The summit, officiated by ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula, brought together youth leaders from the liberation movements of Tanzania, South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Angola, and Namibia.

In her speech, Jokate presented a bold and forward-looking proposal for the creation of a Liberation Movement Youth Festival—a vibrant regional platform where young people across Southern Africa can convene to engage in political dialogue, cultural exchange, and shared economic opportunities.

“It was an incredible honour to stand before respected comrades and guests from beyond the continent to share our youth vision,” Jokate said during her remarks.

“I’m proud that our proposal was not only heard but approved. Now it’s time for action.”

The festival aim to unite youth through music, art, sports, innovation, and political education, while also fostering discussions on economic empowerment and leadership.

It also serves as a bridge between the values of past liberation struggles and the aspirations of a new generation.

Jokate’s address also reflected a deeper call for investment in youth capacity-building through vocational training, mentorship, and access to education and employment opportunities. She championed the revitalization of ideological schools, including the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere School, Chitepo School of Ideology, and OR Tambo School of Leadership, to be digitized and reimagined as platforms for political literacy among young activists.

“We must secure the revolutionary values that brought us this far. Unity, Pan-Africanism, and inclusion must be passed on,” she stated.

“Youth must be placed at the center, not the sidelines of our political and economic futures.”

The summit recognized youth as essential drivers of structural transformation through entrepreneurship, scientific research, and creative industries, calling for society-wide support, including from the private sector and state-owned enterprises.

Grateful for the confidence shown by her peers, Jokate thanked fellow youth leaders from across the region for their solidarity and support.

“Thank you for the trust and belief you’ve placed in me. This is just the beginning. Aluta continua — viva youth, viva!”

Her remarks were met with applause, signaling a renewed commitment to intergenerational leadership and regional cooperation among Africa’s liberation movement youth.