Parties that ignore the young need to grow up, and fast

Mazambicans went to the polls yesterday and the ruling Frelimo party, which has run the country since independence from Portugal in 1975, faces a backlash from the discontented young.

Although there was violence in the run-up to the elections, polling day was largely peaceful and most Mozambicans seem to have embraced the spirit of democracy.

It is important for South Africa that there is peace and stability on its doorstep and the progress of the elections in Mozambique is a sign that the region is improving.

Although there are still problems in Lesotho, its parliament will finally soon be re-opened after interventions by both the African Union and our government.

Political stability in our region is vital and pressure must be imposed on leaders who still rule by decree.

From South Africa and Lesotho to Zimbabwe and Mozambique, young people are beginning to raise their voices.

Frelimo is facing a growing rebellion because of the persistent wealth gap between the elite in power and the masses.

Despite their country's resources and riches, most Mozambicans remain impoverished.

In South Africa, service-delivery protests are an almost daily feature.

Under the rule of President Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe is limping from one crisi s to another and the young people have all but given up hope of their liberation heroes delivering on their promises.

The danger we face as a region is that one of these days the angry youth will rise up en masse.

The Arab Spring came from years of built-up anger and it is possible that a large-scale revolt in one sub-Saharan country would spread like a fire, igniting uprisings in its neighbours.

The continuing frustration of young people is a powder keg waiting to explode and, when it does, Southern Africa will be changed forever.

Now that the Mozambicans have had a relatively peaceful election, we hope the new leadership will listen to the voices of the people and avoid being on the wrong side of history.