THE ROLE OF YOUTH
Don't relegate us to a secondary role in crafting a future that impacts us.
by Lucas Mahlasela Makhubela and Molefi Makhubela
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The youth has hopes, dreams and aspirations needed to make the necessary changes in our societies, political and economic systems. Don’t relegate to us a secondary role in crafting a future that will impact us. Empower us to take the lead but also ensure that there is equality and dignity for all.
It's not enough to demand a seat at the table – we need to be the change we want to see. We need to make changes to societies, political and economic systems. The future is now in our hands and we can lead by example, educating our elders on the new way forward, dictating which direction society will go. We need to join the fight for gender equality, for equal opportunity and economic justice. If we become complacent we only have ourselves to blame and our children will judge us for it.
We have to stay positive and accept what is going to be our new reality for a while, so we can have the space and time to build and create... We can be stronger together, apart for now.
The perfect time for youth to be innovative
Lucas Mahlasela Makhubela and Molefi Makhubela
OUR SPEAKERS
Lucas Mahlasela Makhubela and Molefi Makhubela
Lucas Mahlasela and Molefi are brothers from South Africa. They grew up believing that they could achieve anything if they worked hard. They studied at Michaelhouse where Molefi was elected War Cry Leader and is currently awaiting his Matric results hoping to study business science at the university of Cape Town. Lucas wants to be a chartered financial accountant and is currently studying Business Science at The University of Cape Town specialising in Finance and Economics. In a country riddled with inequality and injustice in many forms these brothers believe they need to take an active role in helping shift perceptions and making their elders listen to the voices of the youth. While Lucas aspires to reshape the current economic and financial climate in South Africa Molefi wants to do more to help combat the shadow pandemic of violence against women and children.
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Individuals contributed with their image and content in a personal capacity, not as a part of their role in any institution or company listed on this website.
Resources and points of view
Black youth can't wait until tomorrow, an article in Mail&Guardian
In my own work, I get to meet youth who have no other option but to attend one of the poor, under-resourced, no-fee schools that make up the majority of public schools. They are youth with aspirations, hopes and dreams, say Ashley Visagie from Bottomup.
To neutralise populism, give people more control, an article in The Economist
Providing individuals with greater agency can improve our politics, say Robin Varghese and Sarah Pray of the Open Society Foundations.
