LET YOUNG PEOPLE RAISE THEIR VOICE, EMPOWERMENT MUST BE MORE THAN A PROMISE

Klaas Thontsine Sebothoma Founder & Chairperson Triumphant Youth Projects (TYP) photo supplied

By Klaas Thontsine Sebothoma
Founder & Chairperson Triumphant Youth Projects (TYP)

It is concerning that young people were lambasted for raising genuine concerns through their decision to boycott the MEC’s Ribane-Laka June visit.

I agree with the broader youth masses who took that position out of sober conscience and frustration with a system that continues to leave many of us behind.

Instead of dismissing their concerns, society should be asking why young people feel unheard.

The reality is that we the youth are not only hungry and intoxicated, we are disempowered on a daily basis.

Students who studied mechanical engineering in public institutions are rarely afforded opportunities to contribute towards maintaining government vehicles and public infrastructure.

Hospitality learners are seldom considered when government programmes require catering and related services.

Automotive and technology students are not given meaningful opportunities to participate in innovations such as CCTV systems, drones and other technological solutions, thus such infrastructures oftenly get destroyed.

This is not because we are rebellious or lack ability, but because the system has failed to insure that we prove ourselves while economically getting empowered.

The MEC has made several commitments to the basic education community, and with time, the people will judge the extent to which those commitments are fulfilled.

However, the most urgent intervention required is the systemic empowerment of young people.

Government must lead by example.

Young people who graduate from our institutions should not only be prepared for opportunities in the only-god-knows sector, they should first be trusted to serve the very government institutions that supported their education and development.

Skills without opportunities only create educated frustration. Government must make use of its own teachings and allow young people to apply what they have learned.

Empowerment must stop being sloganized, as a matter of fact, it must be reflected in procurement, government programmes and service delivery.

A young person must not only be told that education is the key to success, they must be given a door to open after obtaining that education.

South Africa must begin considering every day a youth day because young people are not only the future, we are the present.

Tomorrow is not guaranteed, just as the promise that education will lead to success.

It is only a matter of time before we young people organise, mobilise and disrupt with intend of securing a system that recognises our role in shaping the country we already belong to.

I believe MEC Lebogang Maile has demonstrated a proactive approach, and I remain hopeful that he will deliver on his commitments.

However, those who condemn young people for speaking out must understand that democracy requires participation, not silence.

As young people we have the right to raise our voices because we not waiting for tomorrow to matter.

We matter today.