Local alumnus involved in African Union policy rollout
Former Hoërskool Ben Viljoen learner helps shape African Union youth policy rollout.
A former learner from the Hoërskool Ben Viljoen Matric Class of 2016 recently played an important role in the development of an implementation plan for the Youth-Friendly Version of the African Union Transitional Justice Policy (AUTJP).
Dr David Kabwa was involved in the 39th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on February 26 and 27.
The youth-friendly version he played a role in developing and implementing was officially launched during the summit.
THE AUTJP, adopted by the African Union, provides a continental framework for addressing historical injustices and promoting sustainable peace. Due to the technical nature of the policy, many young people and civil society organisations have experienced challenges in engaging meaningfully with it.
In response, the Youth Organisation for Research and Justice Advocacy, with technical support from Impunity Watch and financial support from the government of the Netherlands, developed a Youth-Friendly Version of the policy. This resource was compiled through an extensive participatory process during 2025, which included consultations, workshops, peer review sessions, and validation meetings across Africa and within the diaspora.
In-person engagements and meetings took place in several countries, including Lesotho, Liberia, the Central African Republic, South Africa, Morocco, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, The Gambia, Kenya, and Ethiopia. The youth-friendly version translates the policy into accessible language and provides practical guidelines to help young people participate more actively in transitional justice processes.
During the summit, Kabwa’s role focused specifically on facilitating the development of an implementation plan aimed at promoting the practical application and adoption of the youth-friendly AUTJP by youth organisations and civil society actors.
This involvement aligns directly with Kabwa’s recently completed PhD in International Relations, in which he examined transitional justice and the role of youth participation in peacebuilding processes in Africa. His work contributes to promoting inclusive youth participation in building a more just and peaceful Africa.
