By Lebone Rodah Mosima
Young people from political parties, youth-led organisations and unemployed graduates have been urged to help communities understand government policies and development plans that directly affect their lives.
The call was made by African Luminary, a non-profit dedicated to “shaping young minds for a stronger South Africa”, following a special youth meeting held at the Faranani Multipurpose Centre in Tsakane, Ekurhuleni, this month.
The meeting was chaired by Sthembiso Sibiya, a Social Curriculum Developer, Educator, LLB Student and Chairperson of African Luminary NPC.
The organisation said the discussion centred on the question: “What can young people do to contribute to a better South Africa?”
The programme introduced African Luminary’s Social Curriculum and began work towards developing a Youth Programme of Action.
“One of the issues considered was the question of the generational struggle of young South Africans,” the organisation said.
“Inequality and social class emerged as important areas of consideration, although participants did not reach a final collective conclusion that these alone define the generation’s struggle.”
“A key principle of the Social Curriculum discussed during the meeting is that solutions should emerge from an understanding of the problems,” it said.
“The objective is therefore to move beyond discussion towards practical interventions.”
The meeting also identified quality education and social awareness as important foundations for building a more informed, active and independent generation.
African Luminary called on young people to help communities access and understand the National Youth Policy and Integrated Development Plan documents, including by encouraging their availability in libraries, clinics and other accessible public and community spaces.
“Young people should not rely exclusively on government to solve every problem affecting them,” it said.
“They can also become active participants in understanding public policy, identifying community problems, and contributing to solutions.”
It urged young people across Africa to convene similar meetings bringing together people from different political parties and youth-led structures to independently define their generation’s challenges, mission and programme of action.
“The broader objective is to encourage young Africans to move from identifying problems to developing practical solutions for their communities, countries, and continent,” the organisation said.
Romeo Sibeko, representing local youth and the Al-Jama party, said that the session taught him how media can influence thoughts and behaviours, and how youth can stay united in their approach for South Africa.
“I think with the decisions that was taken within the collective, we will empower a lot of youth going forward,” Sibeko said.
Thapelo Ntuli, a youth community member from Tsakane, said the meeting was a step towards youth empowerment and improving living standards, also mentioning its focus on guiding boys to becoming men and men to being responsible.
“We were trying to create a loophole for the youth when it comes to job opportunities, equality, and empowerment,” Ntuli said.
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