00:00We are not the future. We are the now. Young Zambians are done waiting on the sidelines.
00:07The numbers tell the story. In 2021, less than 1% of elected MPs were under 30.
00:16That's non-representation. That's marginalization.
00:19But this time, with a groundswell of youth activism and determination, it's different.
00:25We are not just the future. We are now. But are they listening to us?
00:31Then there are the barriers. High nomination fees, campaign costs that drain resources,
00:37a political establishment that still trusts grey hair over fresh ideas.
00:42But young Zambians are now demanding seats at the table.
00:47In the community, I'm active. And in the party structure, I'm active.
00:51But where I'm found mostly is in the community, because that is where it concerns the most.
00:57That is where most of the people are found. That is where development is needed the most.
01:01Then I'm driven by passion and conviction for my community.
01:06I want development to reach the grassroots and to reach the people in the community.
01:10Meet some of the young changemakers.
01:13Busi Kunazin Pongo, 26, isn't just running for office in Mandevu,
01:18But she also runs a local library fighting illiteracy.
01:22I engage in politics as a young person by helping form structures in the community where I come from,
01:28because I believe it is only through us taking part in political spaces that our voices will be heard.
01:34Because politics is a large scale in Zambia, and it is a big deal.
01:39Because it's the only way that helps us send the people, the right people that will speak on our behalf,
01:44to the spaces where we feel represented.
01:46Young Zambians are organizing in every way possible.
01:50All of them are refusing to be invisible.
01:53As a young person, I engage in politics through Facebook, social media, likewise.
01:59And I also participate in training such as workshops.
02:03I feel like young people should be involved in politics.
02:06It amplifies their voices and they are able to take part in decision making.
02:11August 13th, isn't just another election in Zambia.
02:15It's a referendum on whether the country is ready to trust these young people with power.
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