From the left are: Paseko Mosole and Vincent Khetha (both from the Free State Provincial Government's Department of Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation) with Ambrose du Plessis and Mandlenkosi Mthombeni, both from our Department of Political Studies and Governance on the Qwaqwa Campus.

Three members of the Department of Political Studies and Governance on our Qwaqwa Campus played an active role in the Free State Youth Camp organised by the Free State Department of Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation. The purpose of this camp is to provide political and cultural empowerment as well as knowledge and skills of governance to the youth in the Eastern Free State.

Albert Schoeman gave a lecture on citizenship. He educated the youth on the privileges and obligations of the citizens of our country and also the power of the people in influencing the decisions of elected officials. Ambrose du Plessis explained the South African governmental structure to the audience. He distinguished between the three levels of government as well as the powers and functions of each level. Mandlenkosi Mthombeni concentrated on practical politics in South Africa. He identified the role, functions and structures of political parties and their functioning during elections. He also explained the principle of accountability, especially of those political parties that might make frivolous promises during election time. He further emphasised the importance of the accountability of elected officials.

The event provided an excellent opportunity for networking and it is envisaged that the department will be a permanent fixture at events of this nature in future.

- Albert Schoeman