“I see myself really as a public health activist”: A critical analysis of young people’s voices in the National Health Insurance policy submissions
Based on:
Journal Article (2021)
This paper is an inquiry on the reflections and feelings of young people who were participating in the elaboration of a new healthcare policy (the NHI) in South Africa.
Brief by:
In South Africa, when a policy is being tabled in Parliament, there can be multiple drafts of the policy sent out for public commentary and participation. This is the case with the National Health Insurance policy, which has being discussed and drafted since 2012. I was interested in looking at the ways in which the youth was participating in this process, and to interrogate their feelings and reflections on their participatory actions.
The paper explores the expanded application of the Nancy Tuana’s systemic silencing idea as relevant to young people, as such the paper is an example of how to apply relevant theories to different but appropriate situations.
This contribution is based of a case study unpacking the participation of young people in public policy making and strengthening in South Africa, with specific reference to the NHI commentary process.
To this end, the case study assessed key texts and informants involved in qualitative in-depth interviews with a majority of the 20 contributors to the Young People’s Recommendations (YPR) on South Africa’s NHI White Paper. Triangulating between these sources and other key texts and accounts, the study unveiled the important influences behind the quality and extent of youth participation in public policy.
Key findings
Young people comprise a large majority of the population in South Africa especially and this group comprises of various age groups that can be included in policy formulation and development in various degrees.
The delay in inclusive democratic processes and efforts that include young people as key players in policy development and commentary will lead to revolt and resistance against these policies at most and a lack of continuity in these policies that did not have meaningful input from young people at their inception.
Any policies that speak to the lives and futures of young people need to include them as primary stakeholders, as stated in various policy instruments.
The participants reflected on their challenges and provide great advice, step by step, for how young people can tackle having their voices heard and contributing meaningfully to policy and social change.
Proposed action
Young people should be included in policy formulation and ammendments so that participatory democracy is achieved in full
We need to get rid of biases concerning young people, to stop lumping them all in one category and viewing them as lazy, despondent about their future and passive about their realities
Systemic silencing is a real and violent concept that threatens individuals and marginalised groups in society
Many countries are working towards Universal Health Coverage
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Acknowledgements
Special thanks to Antoine Germain for preparation assistance
We would like to extend a special thank you to Antoine Germain, for their invaluable contribution in assisting the preparation of this research summary.
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“I see myself really as a public health activist”: A critical analysis of young people’s voices in the National Health Insurance policy submissions
Cite this brief: Mpanza, Naledi. '“I see myself really as a public health activist”: A critical analysis of young people’s voices in the National Health Insurance policy submissions'. Acume. https://www.acume.org/r/i-see-myself-really-as-a-public-health-activist-a-critical-analysis-of-young-peoples-voices-in-the-national-health-insurance-policy-submissions/
Brief created by: Naledi Mpanza | Year brief made: 2022
Original research:
- Mpanza, N., ‘“I see myself really as a public health activist”: A critical analysis of young people’s voices in the National Health Insurance policy submissions’ 35 (1) (pp. 133–140) https://doi.org/10.1080/10130950.2021.1917208. – https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10130950.2021.1917208
Research brief:
This paper is an inquiry on the reflections and feelings of young people who were participating in the elaboration of a new healthcare policy (the NHI) in South Africa.
In South Africa, when a policy is being tabled in Parliament, there can be multiple drafts of the policy sent out for public commentary and participation. This is the case with the National Health Insurance policy, which has being discussed and drafted since 2012. I was interested in looking at the ways in which the youth was participating in this process, and to interrogate their feelings and reflections on their participatory actions.
The paper explores the expanded application of the Nancy Tuana’s systemic silencing idea as relevant to young people, as such the paper is an example of how to apply relevant theories to different but appropriate situations.
This contribution is based of a case study unpacking the participation of young people in public policy making and strengthening in South Africa, with specific reference to the NHI commentary process.
To this end, the case study assessed key texts and informants involved in qualitative in-depth interviews with a majority of the 20 contributors to the Young People’s Recommendations (YPR) on South Africa’s NHI White Paper. Triangulating between these sources and other key texts and accounts, the study unveiled the important influences behind the quality and extent of youth participation in public policy.
Findings:
Young people comprise a large majority of the population in South Africa especially and this group comprises of various age groups that can be included in policy formulation and development in various degrees.
The delay in inclusive democratic processes and efforts that include young people as key players in policy development and commentary will lead to revolt and resistance against these policies at most and a lack of continuity in these policies that did not have meaningful input from young people at their inception.
Any policies that speak to the lives and futures of young people need to include them as primary stakeholders, as stated in various policy instruments.
The participants reflected on their challenges and provide great advice, step by step, for how young people can tackle having their voices heard and contributing meaningfully to policy and social change.
Advice:
Young people should be included in policy formulation and ammendments so that participatory democracy is achieved in full
- Policies that influence young people and especially those that are supposed to help them, should not be passed without young people with the capacity being included in the development of those policies.
We need to get rid of biases concerning young people, to stop lumping them all in one category and viewing them as lazy, despondent about their future and passive about their realities
Systemic silencing is a real and violent concept that threatens individuals and marginalised groups in society
- If not addressed, these sidelined members of society will reject and revolt against the change sought by policy makers.
Many countries are working towards Universal Health Coverage
- This paper could also assist policy makers to be aware of shortfalls in the process, especially where the inclusion of marginalised members of society, including young people, are involved.