In honour of Youth Month, the National Institute for Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS) proudly presents the Beyond 76 Series: Youth Knowledge in Motion. This series celebrates the bold research, critical thought, and visionary work of Master’s and Doctoral graduates under the age of 35. These dynamic young scholars are reshaping South Africa and the continent through transformative ideas and scholarship. Their work echoes the courage of the youth of 1976 and carries forward a legacy of change, justice, and economic emancipation. Join us as we spotlight the next generation of changemakers in the Humanities and Social Sciences.

1. In 2025, what does Youth Month mean to you — personally, academically, or as a young South African? Youth month evokes images of the tenacity of the class of 1976, which is best portrayed by the #FeesMustFall movement.

2. What impact do you hope your NIHSS supported research will have on society or your field?

My NIHSS-supported research, titled "Local Government Involvement in Crime Prevention in Mopani District Municipality," aimed to contribute meaningfully to both academic discourse and practical policy development within the field of local governance and public safety. At the societal level, I hope the research will highlight the critical role that local governments can and should play in crime prevention. By focusing on Mopani District Municipality as a case study, the research sought to uncover effective strategies, identify gaps, and propose context-specific recommendations that can empower municipalities to be proactive agents in community safety.

Within the academic field, this study adds to the growing body of work on decentralisation and crime prevention by providing evidence-based insights into how local governance structures interact with security concerns in rural and semi-urban areas. It also encourages a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between governance, service delivery, and public trust. Ultimately, I hope the research will inform policy, guide local government interventions, and stimulate further studies on localised crime prevention strategies, especially in underserved communities.