Abstract (eng)
In this thesis the question is raised, to what extent „youth“ can be seen as a relevant political factor. This question will be answered on the basis of two case studies, Namibia and South Africa. The political participation of namibian and south african youth during the 20th century is examined. Special attention is payed to two areas: the education system and the struggle for independence and self-determination. In this connection the focus is on the youth's claims for an equal and improved education system, as well as on the political activities within the struggle against apartheid and for independence. The actors in these two areas are on the one hand the numerous student organisations, on the other hand the youth wings of the two major opposition parties, the SWAPO Youth League in Namibia and the ANC Youth League in South Africa. Here, not only the political acting that had immediate consequences on the governments of both countries is analysed, but also the fact that youth challenged old structures and unsheathed generation conflicts through political participation.
Within the area of the education system the thesis demonstrates the development of the several student organisations and their political concepts and actions. Special focus is put on the two biggest organisations - the Namibian National Student Organisation (NANSO) and the Congress of South African Students (COSAS). Concerning the Youth Leagues, emphasis is put on the autonomous acting of the youth wings, as well as on the cooperation with the mother parties within the armed struggle for independence.