Youth Day. It commemorates the Soweto Uprising, which took place on 16 June 1976, when thousands of student anti-apartheid protesters were violently stopped by police.
On Youth Day, South Africans pay tribute to the lives of these students and recognise the role of the youth in the liberation of South Africa from the apartheid regime.
But 46 years later the youth are still facing extreme challenges in an ever changing world, also in the time of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Here some learners express their views on the world they find themselves living in, in the aftermath of Covid, what the future holds and what role they think they can play in it.
Akeefah Thomas, Gr 10, Al Azhar: In my opinion, I think this world we currently live in is really messed up, corrupt and violent, and it’s becoming worse every day.
People are living in fear, and I don’t think it’s the way we should live. We should be able to go out freely without having to worry about getting kidnapped or something, especially girls. We should be able to enjoy going out with friends and family without being scared for our lives because of this crazy world we live in.
Daniel Oosthuizen, Gr 11, Paarl Boys’ High School: It’s a broken one, but it is a few consecutive, well-executed choices away from being a better one.
Unfortunately the reality in our society is that whoever wants it more (works harder, is dedicated, believes) will get what they want or at least somewhere in life. Some people just don’t even seem to try.
Nalene Visser, Gr 10, La Rochelle: I believe the world has a lot of problems, especially poverty, but I have been fortunate enough not to be affected by them heavily, although I see and hear of those affected every day.
Our current world is financially unwell and, to be honest, I am scared of my future because I actually have no guarantee that I will get a good job to support my family one day. Even though my parents can support me at the moment they will not be there to do so in the future. Not everyone will be lucky enough to be accepted at university and get a decent job eventually, and I fear that my friends and I will be some of the unlucky ones.
Amilca van Niekerk, Gr 11, Paulus Joubert Secondary School: I think today’s world is very advanced and sometimes very hard to overcome tough situations.
The current world, in my perspective, is full of self-control and full of anxiety.
The youth of today can build a better, brighter future because they learn faster, grow faster, are smarter and more self-confident.
Armand Coetzee, Gr 11, Labori: I like it, but there is so much conflict that saddens me deeply every time I think about it. I want to be able to make a change in the world and stop conflict, but if everyone doesn’t try to make a change, nothing will change.
There is a lot of conflict and violence especially based on race and I fear I might eventually become a victim of this type of violence.
We can show the older generations how to cooperate with one another, no matter which race, religion or gender and care for each other.
Just be a nice person and don’t assume something of someone based on the way they look.
Liani Human, Gr 11, GHS La Rochelle: I perceive the world as a place with unlimited possibilities and opportunities. This includes inventions and creative problem solving. We are currently facing big challenges in terms of our communities, our country and our planet.
Challenges in our communities include poverty, drop-out rates, people’s insensitivity to others, mental health, people’s greed, insincerity, prejudice, medical care, access to resources . . . the list continues. I believe the only way we can truly overcome these challenges is by working together in our communities with sincerity, honesty and acceptance. One person can come up with a solution, but together we can do the solving.
As for our country there are many challenges still to overcome, such as faith in our government, electricity supply, corruption, a failing criminal justice system, lack of housing, an education system, to name a few. I believe we can work together in our country if we all want what is best for it, and not be selfish. If we try to understand others’ points of view and not just put them down. Our country has great potential, with its many resources and talented people.
Global challenges such as global warming, climate change, wars, inequality, discrimination, big data and so forth. We cannot just find solutions and bring about world peace, but if everyone plays their part we can surely make a difference?
People are creative and we live in times with endless opportunities. If everyone can just live by considering others.
Be the change you want to see in the world ~ Mahatma Gandhi
Niyaaz Patel, Gr 11, New Orleans Secondary: It is a world in which most people live only for themselves and do not think of others.
It’s tough and going to get tougher, but we must just push through.
We have a big role to play as we are the future and we have the ability to fix the mistakes of previous generations.
Let us just, at the very least, try to change our world and try to make an impact and difference where needed.
Jordan April, Gr 11, Klein Nederburg: Our world is beautiful but stressful. Covid caused lots of challenges, missing out on education, causing me not to understand specific work, anxiety and depression, social anxiety.
The world feels overwhelming. So many decisions must be made, and if you make the wrong choice everything backfires. It is important to get an education and make a positive change in the world. People must be more empathetic.
