Jun 283 min read

Collective Power – Paying Homage to the Youth

The charge for change

The period is the 1960s, tensions are high as youth-driven activism rears its head against the prevailing system of the day. What soon followed was the disbandment of all activities and incarceration of all who were deemed complicit in inciting activism. It is through these trying times that our country witnessed the political emergence of Eastern Cape-born activist Bantu Stephen Biko. Although killed at 30, the vigour and ideologies through which he approached liberation have reverberated through generations for young black people to find their identity and worth. Fast forward to 1976, the spirit of young people takes centre stage once more to refute an oppressive system that was highly prescriptive and limited their potential. What soon followed was a tragedy that sent shock waves around the world. We do however remember this moment as being catalytic in the liberation of South Africa. In retrospect, these events beg the question, is there always a price to pay for courage and bravery?

When we reflect at the past 10 years, we have seen pockets of the same student-led pursuits such as FeesmustFall, Rhodes must Fall, the student-led revolt post the murder of Uyinene and many others. One could argue that South Africa as a whole is a politically charged nation, and this politico-social disposition that young people orient towards is a reflection of the role that young people would like to play in society.

The youth represent more than an emerging generation, it represents a voice that can be traced through the liberation of our country. A voice that challenges the status quo, a voice of innovation and a voice that seeks to find itself in a better country than they found it.

The skills issues in South Africa

Youth unemployment (which is currently hovering at around 42-44%), has been a topical reality discussed by many. Most recently by the South African National Youth Coalition, whose memorandum to the president of South Africa included considerations such as:

Student debt to be cancelled for students who live below the poverty line;
The implementation of a monthly universal basic income of R840 to R1 268 for all jobless people aged 18 to 59;
Investment in community ownership of renewable energy sources;
Implementation of free menstrual health product support in schools.

In addition, the most recent national elections glaringly displayed the commitment that young people had toward electing leaders and a government that was representative of their views and values. Education is and should remain central to the transformative agenda and active citizenry of our young people. Access, structure and quality all need to be given attention from basic education to higher education. There is no doubt that some of the ills and failures of our nations have eroded the confidence that young people have in our government. Despite this, our young people are not apathetic. They need a nurturing and supportive environment to fulfil their hopes and dreams.

And to my earlier question, the answer is yes, there is a price to pay for bravery and courage. The price is discomfort. It may be easy and even convenient to not do anything the moment you are called to act, but giving up a level of comfort or stepping out of a sense of safety to do what is required is what builds communities and nations. Our young people are not rebellious, they are not a nuisance, they are courageous and resilient and are the leaders of today and tomorrow.

Yes, some young people are frustrated with the state of affairs and resort to languishing or crime or violence. A challenge to them this year is to lean on the collective energy of many other young people in this country to transform South Africa by reflecting on what harmonious activism and a collective mindset have done to bring us thus far.