It’s that time of year again, when young people in South Africa get a little praise for being themselves. We lack a voice, a fighting spirit, and happiness. Exactly that is who we are! Although we pride ourselves on being youthful and vibrant, it feels like we don’t know how or where to channel our enthusiasm when everything in this country is going wrong.
We are under the oppression of the ruthless system. South Africa is in a state of crisis, and it doesn’t appear like we will get out of it anytime soon, at least not with the current dysfunctional leadership.
Because the system that is cruel to the majority is kind to them, we are governed by individuals who have no idea what it’s like to be in our situation.
Being referred to as “the youth of South Africa” is not at all enjoyable. Every day brings a new set of issues; in fact, it is the only experience we have. How does honoring youth month make our lives better? What are we honoring today? Maybe we’re rejoicing in the high levels of inequality, poverty, and unemployment. Which youth are we celebrating in South Africa?
Our government is failing us, and it has been doing so for a very long time. We do not need to apologize for this reality since it cannot be changed. It is time for us to liberate and advance, and the impending national elections in 2024 offer us the ideal opportunity to do so. We don’t need to think that our government is working to produce enough jobs; instead, we need to realize that they happily chose the system that turned us into monsters. It’s high time we compose a song that suits our dynamism.
Since we have suffered from depression for such a long period, we must be sick of our dysfunction, misery, and helplessness. While it is frustrating to be between the ages of 18 and 35 in South Africa, we cannot simply sit back and fold our arms.
As things are, we should proclaim that youth month will not have any lasting significance. To move this nation forward, we urgently need a national strategy. Even while change is inevitable, we still need to impose it because it won’t just appear. I want to be present when the existing harsh system begins to undergo a profound and extreme change. I think we’re up to the task, and I think it’s doable. “Children born in youth are like arrows in a warrior’s hands.”
