摘要：This paper is based on a study conducted in Makhado Municipality of Vhembe District, South Africa.It sought to unearth the factors hindering youth participation in community development. In this sequentiallyintegrated mixed methods study, respondents in phase 1 were purposively sampled. Data were collected in reflectioncircles established considering gender. The results of the first phase were consolidated into a questionnaire requiringresponses on a 10 point Likert-type scale. In phase 2 the questionnaire was administered to the same categories ofyouth in reflection circles. Descriptive statistics and nonparametric tests for significant differences across gendercategories and hindering factors were computed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. No significantgender differences were raised. It was concluded that youth desire opportunities to demonstrate their communityleadership abilities. The need for change in leaders’ attitudes regarding the role of youth in development work isevident.
