Young South Africans can stand against corruption in practical, accessible ways: learn the difference between an allegation and evidence, share verified sources rather than rumours, use music and creative expression, join community discussion, make ethical everyday choices, and sign the Ngeke! pledge. None of this replaces official channels.
Start with what you know
An allegation is a claim. Evidence is material that can be checked. Before you repost something angry, ask where it came from, whether a reliable source confirms it, and whether it names people without support. Sharing verified sources instead of rumours protects your credibility and the people involved.
Everyday ways to take part
Start a conversation with friends, family, a class or a community group, and listen to different experiences. Make or share music, poetry, video or art that expresses how corruption affects your community. Look for practical opportunities to take part rather than assuming you must be an expert or a performer before your contribution matters.
- Check before sharing. Read the original source and its date. A historical news article is not evidence that the same event is happening now.
- Make integrity specific. Discuss what fair decisions and transparent processes would look like in your school, campus, workplace or community group.
- Create with care. Address systems and experiences in your writing or music without presenting unverified accusations as established facts.
- Choose the right channel. A public discussion, an artistic statement and a confidential report serve different purposes. Keep sensitive evidence out of public pledge messages.
The Ngeke! pledge
The Ngeke! pledge is a public commitment to stand against corruption. You can sign it without attending the festival. Original messages are shared on the wall with initials and signing dates, so leave out personal contact details and sensitive allegations. Signing is not a criminal report and does not confer legal protection.
Music, competitions and the festival
Artists can use songwriting and performance to contribute to this conversation, while listeners can discover and support the music. Music competitions have their own eligibility rules: check the official Fair Play South Africa page for the relevant call and terms. Competition eligibility should not be confused with festival admission. For the event, see free ticket information and the published artist lineup.
National context and reporting
For national strategy context, read the official government statement of 24 February 2026. If you want to report something, use official channels, and see our reporting guide. We cannot promise protection or confidentiality.
Questions
What can a young person do about corruption?
Verify before sharing, talk with your community, express yourself creatively, make ethical choices and sign the pledge. These build awareness and participation, not a guaranteed outcome.
Do I need a ticket to sign the pledge?
No. The pledge is open without festival attendance.
Is the pledge a report?
No. It is a public commitment. It is not a criminal report or legal protection.
Who can enter the music competition?
Eligibility is set by FairPlay and differs from the festival audience. Consult the official page for current terms.