Young people from Khayamandi, kitted in their best vintage outfits, gathered at AmaZink to observe Youth Day on Sunday (16 June).
The local venue hosted the team of the Let’s Talk Podcast, who hosted “Youth Gauge: An analysis of the youth post 1994”.
Before the discussion started the young people took to the dance floor grooving to some South African classics. During the panel talk youngsters heard from Ward 12 councillor Ayanda Tomose and social worker Funeka Mayembana-Hermans, while the discussion was lead by the Let’s Talk team.
Tomose urged the youth to think about their futures on Youth Day, in honour of the young people who protested against the Bantu Education Act in Soweto, 48 years ago. “Those young people were fighting against something specific, but I think young people now don’t know what they have a cause in the same way,” he said.
Tomose said in some cases it may feel like the change the students fought for in 1976 has not really come to pass as many South African children still struggle to make it through school and go on to higher education.
Mayembana-Hermans spoke about her experience as a social worker in the community. Those attending discussed everyday challenges they face like peer pressure, social economic struggles, and alcohol and drug abuse.
The social worker, born and bred in Khayamandi, motivated the youngsters to not strive to get trapped in social ills they face in the community but rather strive to better their lives by also engaging with one another.
According to the Let’s Talk team the event was a success and the conversations were engaging and amazing. Participation from the audience was encouraging and the event provided a platform for many to have a safe and conducive environment to voice some of their concerns. Those attending touched on a few issues concerning social development in South Africa.
“It is always important to know where we come from in order to know where we are going. We deliberately chose the ‘An analysis of the youth post 1994’ in order to reflect what the youth has been able to achieve since democracy,” said Hlmola Mdala of the Let’s Talk team.
“Most importantly, not to blame the past entirely for all that is lacking, but also to look for solutions to solve the problems. Yes, we recognise the injustices and inequalities of the past, but what are we doing now to uplift ourselves? It’s these conversations that will move us towards solutions.”
Mdala said the feedback from the youth was positive, with many asking that similar events be hosted to accommodate the youth as it is lacking in the area.
