With a vision to revive youth networks across the continent, 29-year-old Parkwood resident Dr Shakira Choonara is flying the South African flag high as an advisory board member at the African Union (AU) Youth Council.
Choonara, who has worked as a public health researcher and advocacy worker with a passion for human rights issues, discovered recently that her application to work for the AU had been successful.
“I’ve always wanted to be the president of South Africa. I am inspired by the story of South Africa [becoming a] democracy and was mentored by uncle Cathy [Ahmed Kathrada]. I have a deep love for justice and human rights issues,” said Choonara.
She added that this was the first time that the AU had created a youth structure in response to the fact that most people on the continent were under the age of 25.
“The AU needs transformation and shaking up and I hope to be the voice for young people. I want to bring transparency and accountability to AU youth policy… And how can we bring accountability if youth don’t even know what their policies are?” she said.
Choonara added that she was excited to represent South Africa and make AU policy real for youth.
“It has been an unreal and humbling experience. I have always had big dreams and didn’t think they would come true.”
She expressed her desire to meet with President Cyril Ramaphosa. “South Africa is very siloed and not pan-African. We need to think more about the big picture. I think we are losing sight of the bigger vision. Young South Africans are very angry and government is failing us. We need to put nation-building back on the agenda. I believe the country has not tapped into young people enough.”
Having grown up in a disadvantaged background without money to study, Choonara said she was committed to making a change on the African continent. She has committed to building a school from scratch in one year in Mozambique and encouraged other young people to play their part in making a difference.
“Youth networks are not functioning at their full capacity. We need to revive youth networks on the continent. It’s up to us as young people to bridge the gap in education and other aspects in South Africa and work together to address inequality.”
