In a world facing rising youth disengagement and deep-seated inequality, how do we equip the next generation to not just live in a democracy, but to actively co-create it? This was the central question at the Globus LIV² People’s Meeting, a three-day South Africa-Denmark Democracy Learning Partnership recently hosted at Stellenbosch University (SU).
The visit marked a pivotal transition for the Globus LIV Project—moving from simple student exchanges to a robust “consolidation phase” focused on joint research, mobility, and the practical application of social justice.
The Danish “Bildung” vs.The South African Reality
The Danish delegation, representing Campus Bornholm and VUC Storstrøm, brought the concept of Bildung to the table—a state-funded educational philosophy that prioritizes critical awareness and civic agency over mere information.
However, the dialogue was far from one-sided. South African academics and students offered a candid counter-perspective, highlighting the gap between progressive policies and a reality often defined by financial exclusion and historical trauma.
3 Pillars of the Partnership
The visit was structured to move from theory to lived experience:
- Textbook vs. Truth: Sessions at the Centre for Social Justice and STIAS explored how democracy is constrained by national contexts.
- Moral Courage: A visit to the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation reinforced that democracy requires intentional design and “historical consciousness.”
- Learning in Place: The delegation moved from seminar rooms to the streets of Kayamandi, engaging with the Thuma Foundation to see democracy as a lived practice.
Leading Voices
“While Danish colleagues worry about apathy in a context of material security, South African youth often feel that democracy has not yet delivered on the constitutional promises of dignity. If we speak to their fears and dreams, we can co-create systems that work for everyone.” — Prof. Thuli Madonsela, Director of the Centre for Social Justice.
“I was impressed by the passion and diversity of perspectives in a country where democracy cannot be taken for granted in the same way as in Denmark.” — Rasmus Kristiansen, VUC Storstrøm.
What’s Next?
The partnership is now moving “from dialogue to design.” Future plans include:
- Expanded Student Mobility: Increasing the flow of students between SA and Denmark.
- Joint Policy Briefs: Collaborative research-informed democratic learning.
- Folkemøde Bornholm: South African colleagues are set to visit Denmark to experience Danish democracy in action.
