South Africa's Youth: Untamed Voices

Nosipho Funeka went on an opinion hunt on South Africa’s Youth by South Africa’s Youth and what they would change or improve about their SA if they were given the opportunity of becoming President for a day. Here’s what they had to say:

Amanda Mzobe,18 yrs. (UKZN, Howard College) 2^nd year BA Criminology

An energetic, bubbly and humorous Amanda says SA’s Youth is ‘Creative and innovative’. “Our young people want to change SA’s economy and are not just stopping at the matric age, they’re moving on with their live and want to elevate the economy by bringing in fresh ideas to businesses. If I had to become president for a day I would make education free because we could then drift away from all these things we have like drugs, alcohol, teen pregnancy and crime”.

Mjabuliseni Nkosi, 23 yrs. (UKZN, Howard College) Masters Town& Regional Planning

Describing himself as Hard-working, Innovative and Creative which is evident from what he has achieved as a young man furthering his studies, Mjabuliseni says “The youth should aim to work hard, become innovated and trustworthy. If I had to be President, I would ensure that more financial aid packages are allocated to academic deserving and financial needy students”.

Chandré Bezuidenhout, 21 yrs. (Stellenbosch University) final year BA International Studies 

An Ambitious, Warm-hearted and motivated Chandré says, “I’d say we are passionate and direct reason being that our generation is extremely passionate about the future and the future of the country and direct because they are not afraid to say things how they are and voice their opinions against anyone, even the government. If I had to become president for a day I would change or improve accountability within government and try to get rid of corruption as much as I can”.

 

Xabi Xala, 22yrs. (UKZN, Howard College) BSS Geography and Environmental Management

With her gorgeous smile, Xabi says she is Self-determined, Understanding and Peace-centred. “SA’s Youth is determined and vocal because the youth is aware of the importance of their contribution and are vessels of hope who have potential to transform the country both now as well as for the future. So if I had to become president for a day, I would promote a South Africa with people who are unified and patriots. In this way S.A and its people would work together for the good of the country and all their inherited people. A true love for one’s country has led many nations to greatness”. 

Sizo Duma. 19 yrs. (University of Pretoria) 2^nd year BScience Information Technology

A persistent and resolute Sizo uses the words ‘Dormant and Lazy to describe the young minds. “Reason for saying this is because a vast majority of us as the youth are unwilling to push ourselves to our full potential and just take what we have in life. If I had to become president for a day I’d change the education system in our country make all education free but at the same time, I would standardize the level of education to one level of high quality between rural and rich schools. I would do this by giving them all national tests and regular aptitude tests throughout their schooling careers and not just matric. This way the youth will have to scrape their lazy and dormant mentality    and actually work and progress through school”.

 [Sunday Tribune Youth Edition Contribution]

Steven Kevin Kairu, 21yrs. (UKZN, Howard College) 3^rd year Chemical Engineering

Happy, Silly and Active. These are the words Steven identifies himself with. He says “South Africa’s youth is fun and loving because we young and want to be able to do anything we want to do. If I had to become president I would take actions on xenophobia, have organisations running in order to tell people how silly it is to discriminate against your own colour. I would promote unity. Also, homeless people and children’s’ homes. As president I’d have the power to give these people food, clothing and shelter so I would start an organisation that keeps the homeless alive and give the young kids like, orphans an opportunity to go to school and study”.