Gridlocked Streets or Simply Disinterested? Urban Youth and Unconventional Political Participation in Zimbabwe’s Second Republic

This paper is situated in the political landscape of Zimbabwe's Second Republic, which many believed would usher in a new era of democratic governance. It examines urban youth and their engagement, or lack thereof, with unconventional modes of political participation. Utilising focus groups conducted in Harare and Bulawayo, findings reveal how young people engage with political issues through internet-based platforms and novel artistic expressions. While internet participation offers a space to the largely digitally savvy youth for critique and dialogue, it often fails to translate into tangible policy changes or meaningful impact, highlighting a sense of futility among the youth. Despite these creative outlets, findings also indicate a significant reluctance to participate in other traditional forms of protest, such as demonstrations or strikes, largely due to fears of police reprisals and the threat of lawfare. Life cycle factors, especially the economic situation, also deter further participation, as youths prioritise economic sustenance over political activism. The transition from Mugabe to Mnangagwa has not yielded the anticipated democratic dividend; instead, the political landscape remains unchanged, characterised by an enduring authoritarian culture. The pervasive use of lawfare and state security apparatus continues to deter young people from exercising their constitutional rights as outlined in Sections 58 (freedom of assembly and association), and 59 (freedom to demonstrate and petition). Unconventional participation can only thrive in an environment where constitutionalism is respected, thus the need for genuine commitment to democratic principles in Zimbabwe.