As the country marks the 48th anniversary of June 16 Youth Day on Sunday, some young people in South Africa say they believe the government has not done enough to curb social ills among the youth, such as unemployment, drug abuse, and crime.
This week Sunday World took to the streets to speak to young people and gauge their views on what Youth Day means to them.
Ofentse Masilo, 20, from Rustenburg in the North West, said Youth Day means absolutely nothing to him. This is because a lot of young people are unemployed.
Some can relate with the day, some don’t seem to understand the significance, while others don’t see the point at all.
No benefit to the youth
Masilo is a first-year student at the prestigious private higher education institution AFDA. He is studying a bachelor’s degree in motion picture.
“I do not really relate to Youth Day. It is not impactful. If you look at the politics, many young people are unemployed. What is the point of Youth Day? I get the concept of Youth Day and where it comes from, but what else is there to Youth Day? What are we doing to encourage and help young people make it?
“The government needs to do more to help young people. It needs to help young people with challenges like unemployment and mental illnesses. Also giving them more job opportunities in the arts and corporate sectors. There are a lot of youth sitting at home unemployed, but they have qualifications.
Nova Orion, 18, from Parys in the Free State, said Youth Day means a lot to her.
Orion is a first-year student at AFDA, where she is studying a bachelor’s degree in motion picture medium.
Celebration of youth
“Youth Day is important because young people are not recognised for the potential they have. The day for me has the same value as Mothers’ Day and Fathers’ Day. We need to celebrate being young while we still can. Young people [are celebrated] for who they are, for being talented and capable of creating change. This day means a lot to me,” said Orion.
She said the government must provide job opportunities and free access to therapy for young people.
Zachary Vywers, 26, echoed Masilo and Orion’s sentiments about government addressing youth unemployment.
Vywers works at a convenience store in Milpark, Johannesburg. He said he has been working there for two years.
Just another insignificant holiday
“I know that a lot of things happened on June 16 1976, but the day has no much meaning for me. For me it just a public holiday… The government should do more to provide young people with jobs.
“Government can first start by lowering the level of qualifications needed for certain jobs. Make matric the major requirement for certain jobs. Some young people are unemployed with matric. They do not have tertiary qualifications, which hinders them from getting certain jobs. Because they only have a matric,” said Vywers.
