FOREWORD FROM ACTING EDITOR:
Sunday World marks its Unsung Heroes event in a new political world of unfamiliar territory, with the country having to make do with the installation of a government of national unity (GNU).
We do not know what this new creature holds in store for us, but as sure as fate, this is not dampening the spirit of the young heroes and heroines we honour in this edition.
Today’s edition reflects on the young people who are making us proud – and who ought to be lionised as heroes and heroines for the role they play in making a difference in the country through their entrepreneurial spirit.
As wisdom tells us, life evolves with each era of human existence, presenting new opportunities mixed with challenges, all of which complement people’s human experience.
The uprising of the youth on June 16, 1976 was a watershed moment for the country under the oppressive apartheid yoke.
The young people of that epoch sought to change the prevailing status quo – the education system designed to keep a black person down by providing inferior education as a ploy to perpetuate their subjugation.
When June 16, 1976 erupted it signified a revolt against the abominable system of apartheid.
The system imposed on black people inferior quality of education, for which the seed of resistance those many years ago is now producing something different – a cohort of young men and women driven by entrepreneurial spirit, seeking to create wealth not only for themselves but for the country as well.
With all challenges facing the youth, including a growing youth unemployment problem, our young people are inexorably forging ahead, increasingly becoming creators of wealth, and refusing to depend on hand-outs, but more determined to meet the challenge of unemployment head-on by being activists of change.
Apart from wanting to make an indelible mark – there is more the youth want to achieve, those in this context we describe as heroes and heroines.
This is that black young people should not forever complain about lack of resources, but should rather go out in the world, using their skills and determination to prove the point that a young black person has the capacity to create wealth – and to become a serious-minded entrepreneur, even under prevailing circumstances of limited resources.
Who said the Steve Jobs of this world are confined to American wealth creators only? To think along these lines would be to live in a world that no longer exists – even as our country goes through economic difficulties.
We are beginning to have them – these heroes and heroines – in their numbers, and as a publication, Sunday World feels duty-bound to proudly unveil them, to you our esteemed readers, to see them, and hopefully many others will join the young successful band as time goes by.
We are aware that every generation has had its share of entrepreneurial zeal and success, despite the challenges of exclusion.
Self-made millionaire, pulling himself by his bootstraps, starting from humble beginnings, Richard Maponya became an important creator of wealth in the country – with his empire creating jobs for many South Africans.
Maponya Mall, his handiwork, has become a jewel for the residents of Soweto, and possibly for the country, a colossus that has become a benchmark for aspiring black entrepreneurs to emulate.
So, join us today as we celebrate these young heroes and heroines. We take great pleasure in introducing them to you.
UNSUNG HEROES: STANDING IN THE GAP
Dumelang
I’m as grateful as I’m excited about this year’s Unsung Heroes. It’s some kind of a flex to be the first returning project editor, and also the youngest. I remain indebted to Sunday World for the confidence, and the hardwork of Justine Fortuin and Kananelo Mokoena, two young journalists who put their lives on hold to produce this content.
If the assertion that young people are the heartbeat of a nation is true, then there’s never been any relevant time to the view than now. Young people, as a matter of age, are intercessors. We stand in the gap between generations. We’re the present that connects the past with the future.
Although our democracy makes sure that we don’t experience interregnums, we have in the aftermath of the elections experienced hanging in the balance of forces. Therefore, the current hour calls for the rising of an army of visionaries and innovators who will intercede, envision, innovate and agitate for a truly better life for all.
Recently, I moderated a national elections debate series at the University of the Free State. As students engaged with representatives of political parties, I witnessed with pride their love for the affairs of their country, contradicting the dominant view that the youth lack interest in politics, governance and activism. This is the same fulfilment I get when I go through the profiles in this supplement. And I hope as you too learn about the outstanding works of our heroes, your face will beam with joy that though tomorrow may be unknown, they’ll figure it all out.
These are bright minds like Professor Noluxolo Gcaza, a cybersecurity expert based at the Nelson Mandela University who stands in the gap for young internet users, campaigning for a safe digital environment for them. Or Latoya Steenbok, a commercial pilot who, as a little girl in the Free State, used to gaze at planes in the sky and say with resolute optimism that she too could fly.
Their stories are intertwined with the visceral portrait of Koketso Riba, a visual artist who didn’t allow his hearing loss to silence his voice; Buzwe Dlembula, an innovator who’s created a crime intelligence system to ensure justice for victims of rape in his district; and many others.
Congratulations to all our Unsung Heroes.
