The youngsters of today must prioritise education
Freedom fighter, Mr Patrick Chamusso was arrested and tortured for a crime he did not commit during the apartheid era. He joined the ANC's fight against oppression.
MSHADZA – Freedom fighter, Mr Patrick Chamusso was arrested and tortured for a crime he did not commit during the apartheid era. He joined the ANC’s fight against oppression.
More than three decades later, Chamusso relives the days of the struggle and salutes the youth of 1976 for their courage. Mpumalanga News spoke to him.
How would you describe the time when those students took to the streets protesting for English to be the medium of instruction?
Those were tough days when we were controlled by the whites, but because some of us were courageous, we would often be at loggerheads with them most of the time.
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I was in Soweto but not in school on the day of the student uprisings. I was asked where Sam Nzima was and I lied, showing them a different direction. That is how we lived, on the edge but we were united.
What would you say has changed over the years compared to 41 years ago?
These born frees are exposed to a lot of things unlike us. They are more technologically advanced and spend their time on their smartphones and the Internet.
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We were disciplined, courageous and took everything seriously. There’s also this welfare mentality our people have because the government provides free basic necessities, whereas we fought for liberation and equality in this country.
Young people do not have enough knowledge and forget they are not doing anyone a favour by not reading. I was 26 years old at the time of the uprisings and I could hardly write. It was on Robben Island where I was taught by the likes of Jeff Radebe to read and write. Drug and substance abuse was also not a problem in communities like it is now.
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How can today’s youth advance themselves?
Opportunities are there and icons of the struggle fought for what we have today. Why don’t young people prioritise education and do other things later?
There is no way you can make it if you are not educated. The government tender system is a negative influence on the youth because they think it’s the easy way to make a quick buck.
My advice would simply be for the youth to read, seek knowledge and to acquire skills.
