With the apartheid era fading from collective memory a new question arises, when will the next generation, especially black youth up to the age of 27, be truly independent? I feel that this question should come in the context of the South African youth being compared to other African youths.
Africans from the rest of Africa, from my personal observation, demonstrate admirable confidence, and have an extensive knowledge of their history and culture. It could be that this is due to the fact that some of my African compatriots were liberated from the 1960s and have had ample opportunity to find a sense of self, this is shown by the large number of Africans who have gone abroad and established themselves beyond their borders.
South African black youth, still in their formative years, seem to lack the ability to rebel at being treated as second class citizens, which classification their African counterparts have long rejected. This rejection form the basis of free and independent Africans who are comfortable with themselves and are equal to anyone, who are willing to explore and learn, and possess no inferiority complex due to being African.
One has to acknowledge though that whilst our education system is still one of the major drawbacks to unleash this potential, the few who have come out the private and model C schools and thus have escaped the less than ideal public education system should begin to form the nucleus of this movement to independence
They are a generation which hopefully shall not require BEE to assist them to get into business, they shall not require initiatives such as affirmative action to get opportunities in the corporate world, they shall demand their place in the corporate world, and they shall unleash creativity and innovation that will help them release their business acumen with no need of government support
It is therefore important for this generation, from day one, to learn from their African counterparts as to what it means to be a free African in terms of values, demands, aggression and self self-reliance
Whilst the intention is not to put pressure on this generation, it is important for one to realise that as a black community in SA for the first time in almost 300 years, we have a group of people to showcase and pin our hopes on. It is now up to each and every one of them to wake up tomorrow, understanding the very ideal position they are in, to decide how they will take advantage of the vast amount of space afforded to them, to think, to express, to enjoy, to be free.
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What an interesting observation you made.Our youth has a long way to go, especially in comparison with the rest of the continent. We need a new mindset altogether. We could possibly be undermining the extend of the apartheid legacy.It did contribute in making us second class citizens in our own soil. Our government is also not doing enough to redress the injustice of the past.It will be unfair to say we are a lazy bunch, but our youth can do much better if we can first attain independence from within. We have become our own slaves in many ways. We still chase after the white collar jobs even though our country affords so many opportunities, we do not add fresh ideas and innovation to our economy. Instead of making this beloved country our oyster, we rather compete with our fellow brothers from other african countries for the white collar jobs, talk about fighting for the crumbs under the table, forgetting whats on top! like other african countries, maybe time will emancipate us. Our freedom is still an idea.
ReplyDeleteThe Apartheid faded with a very important value, Unity. For which young people never experienced, we grew up each person standing up for him. The community has lost its sense of common purpose so us young people.
ReplyDeleteAfter studying for whatever course you do, some are just raised and educated for exports instead of building a better community. As for public school students its still a long way to go, there is just no right for basic education in our schools some educators don't even show up to teach and so many learners don’t show up to learn. Freedom of expressions in our schools especially our public schools dialogues and discussions are discouraged. How many public schools you'll find with debate teams? What topics are being discussed that help young people find life direction? Dialogue is a value and it’s lacking in our schools that’s why most of us young people end up in need for help from the BEE to get into business, we are not exposed in discussions that will help us find ourselves. Values can be earned through
Personal security in our environment where young people are victims of each other verbally, physically and even sexually. Running the gauntlet of guns, drugs and criminality, is there a possibility we can work together and bring one positive goal for our own success?
How many posts are being advertised in our daily lives saying English and Afrikaans a must but yet we still talking about freedom and the right of one's choice? Independency without a leg,
Yes there are people we salute; I can call them our role models. But we never grew up given the opportunity to discuss and express our wishes, so the person will be an image role model instead of real inspiration to you, you’ll be just saying how I wish I could get a chance to explain what I have in mind.
There is still that world of difference that has to be bridged; anti-racism. And my belief is that SA is still failing to interrogate some of the values of excellence, of right, of wrong. We must act before it's too late as young people, but how? The majority is still disadvantaged in the access of available opportunities or what can I say maybe we are still blinded and need some guidance to see and follow the right path.