As we mark 44 years since the 16 June 1976 student uprising, the day that changed the socio-political landscape of our country, the question remains . . . did the landscape change for us as young people?
Back then, students rose up against Afrikaans being made the compulsory language of instruction at schools.
Today the uprising of young people continues, but against poverty, abuse of power, the scourge of substance abuse and lots of other social ills.
We are faced with mind battles and lots of choices. We can choose to blame the past for failures or to credit it for achievements – that is a choice each of us has to make.
The message to the young people in 2020 is to make a choice, to shift your mindset to what’s positive, pure and mindful, and to mobilise against the social ills of our communities.
Today we are struggling with a deadly virus, Covid-19. We have the opportunity as young people to mobilise others to ensure that in the communities we live in the vulnerable are assisted and educated. We must never forget the struggles of our elders and the opportunities we have because of their struggles, such as the government’s National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), free education in one’s mother tongue, and so on.
In the midst of Covid-19 let’s reflect on where we are at and where we going . . .
It is never too late to make lifestyle changes. Whatever may have happened in your life it’s never too late to get up, get over it and shift your mindset in a more positive direction.
Use the opportunities available and make a choice to live and thrive.
* Fiona Abrahams (37), from Pella, holds various degrees, and was only 28 years old when elected ANC proportional councillor, serving on the Metro Youth Development Council, Blaauwberg Youth Development Forum, Regional Executive of the ANC Youth League (ANCYL), National Executive of the ANCYL and Provincial Rural Women’s Forum, which she is the chairperson of.
