YOUTH DAY 2024
FOR THE YOUTH BY THE YOUTH
Winner: Poetry submissions
A letter from the youth: The challenges facing the youth
by Zukhanye Christian
Dear reader,
This is a letter addressed to you
Personally submitted
As one member of the youth
I need to elaborate on the truth
I shall wait in a queue to know
What this is that seems to pressurise
Press and bring woe when unknown
Let it be known to all who want to see me conform
I am youth and have outgrown the stereotypical norm
That I am simply who my predecessors say I am
I am youth
I face more on a daily and lately
Seeking to be on Instagram and famous
Can you blame me?
I live in a world
Where what Twitter tweets entail
Describe my valueless life in detail
Remember, I am youth
As a male, I am not to shed a tear or
My value decreases on a scale defined by society
As a woman, I am not to fight against societal expectations
Or my value does not meet the specified obligations
Valueless
Defined as having no value
Worthless
Described as having no worth
The loathful statements made on my name
From someone who sits in their bedroom
And learns how to hate through a screen
Influence my state
Despite the workload I receive from school
Despite the pressure I perceive as cruel
As there is constant eradication of truth
With these complex challenges I cannot but reiterate to you
There is but more for the serpent Satan is cruel
His demons are disguised as my deceptive company
To encourage me to pop a pill as fuel
And life and all ill will be well
I drift on cloud fifty and nine in an incline
To get by in these testing tenacious hours of time
And every second of every minute feels sublime
I don t feel, I simply close my eyes
Yet when my mind is a rifle and I feel suicidal
The gun I was taught to hold seems weaker and idle
My amygdala shoots at me with an emotionless aim to my vessel of a brain
It has been reignited to revive and make me feel again
I am youth so trauma is my only excuse to know
One or more realities on booze
I do not wish to be a substance abuser
Yet I wish to find who I am in these shots of liquor
I have located this unidentified quality I seek
It is my identity among other things
Zukhanye Christian, Victoria Park High, age 17, grade 11
YOUNG IDEAS:
‘Special Times with Friends’ by Clarendon Park
Primary grade 5
Kelsey de Donker, left, and ‘It’s
Damaging
Our Brain’ by Zoe Morgan, in grade 7 at Clarendon Park, right
Runner-up: Heartbreak
by Alaska Chapman
It happened so fast
So slow
The coldness I felt as you reached out and touched my heart
It ever so gently spread bits of frost
A numbing sensation as the ice spread throughout my heart
Ever so fragile and ever so cold
It shattered when you had to go
Leaving me ever so alone
However
The ice did not stop
It spread throughout my body
A shining ornament I was
A constellation of stars
I shattered like broken glass
I shattered like broken glass
Alaska Chapman, Alexander Road High School, grade 12
Standard Bank gives young entrepreneurs a boost with Ignite Your Hustle competition
In the spir it of Youth Month, Standard Bank has launched a c all for applic ations for the sec ond edition of the Ignite Your Hustle c ompetition, which of fers a fantastic oppor tunit y for young, aspir ing entrepreneurs residing in the Easter n Cape to secure funding for their business development or big ideas
“ The Ignite Your Hustle c ompetition aims to enable the potential of young entrepreneurs with a c ompelling business idea or existing hustle,” says Unathi Maqalekane, Standard Bank Provincial Head of Personal and Pr ivate Banking Easter n Cape
“I t ’s ab o u t f u e l l i n g these hustlers’ innate initiative and ingenuit y and ¿
The c ompetition is a new addition to the youth c ategor y of The Herald NMU Citizens of the Year Awards, one of the most prestigious awards in Nelson Mandela Bay A n initiative that aims to spotlight stor ies of hope and inspiration, the awards rec ognise ordinar y South Afr ic ans who have made a positive impact in their c ommunities and demonstrated a c ommitment to helping others
Standard Bank is inviting budding entrepreneurs from the ages of 18 to 3 0 in the Easter n Cape to enter the c ompetition by submit ting a 3 0 - sec ond video clip descr ibing their hustle
Both clients and non - clients of Standard Bank are invited to enter Standard Bank clients stand a chanc e to win R10 0 0 0 and nonStandard Bank c an win R5 0 0 0 towards moving their business or star t- up business for ward
Plus, bec ause having travel independenc e is of ten key to building a business, the selected winners will each win an additional R10 0 0 0 (R5 0 0 0 for non - Standard Bank clients) towards obtaining a dr iver ’s lic enc e (including lessons)
“ This initiative aims to help make dreams a realit y for those who have been dreaming and hustling all this time and deser ve an o p p o r t u n i t y f o r t h at d r e a m t o c o m e t o l i f e a n d t h a t
to be
rec ognised We wa nt t o i g n i te t h e m o m e nt w hen a loan is agreed upon, when a rental bid on a building is acc epted, when a student scr ibbles down their ‘big idea’ on a notepad dur ing a lecture, or when fr iends bec ome c olleagues in a joint venture We at Standard Bank want to be the bank that made those moments more than just a dream,” says Maqalekane
Standard Bank ’s Ignite Your Hustle c ompetition falls under the bank ’s broader 10% movement, which enc ourages young South ¿ the bank ’s help By enter ing the c ompetition, young entrepreneurs ¿
How to enter the Standard Bank Ignite
To enter the Youth Categor y Award and stand a chanc e to win up to R 20 0 0 0, applic ants must submit a 3 0 - sec ond motivational video about themselves and their business pitch
The video must include infor mation about the entrant, a shor t review of their new or existing business idea, the impact and c ontr ibution that business is making or will make in their c ommunit y, and why they should be c onsidered for the award
Interested applic ants must submit their videos to igniteyour hustle@ standardbank c o za ¿ ¿ judging session, which will take plac e no later than 31 July 2024
The winner will then be announc ed at The Herald NMU Citizens of the Year Awards c eremony, scheduled to take plac e at the Boardwalk Hotel on 20 September 2024
Visit standardbank c o za /southafr ic a /personal/c ampaigns/ letspush to lear n more about the Standard Bank 10% movement
Te r ms and cond itions ap ply
Winner: Article submissions
by Clarize Maschaka
The youth vote is a significant force in SA s democracy, with the potential to shape the nation s future
According to Stats SA, there are over 20 million young people between the ages of 15 and 35, representing 35% of the total population, the youth demographic holds a significant electoral power This article explores the importance of the youth vote, the barriers young voters face, and how their engagement can influence the political outcomes and policy changes SA has witnessed a decline in voter turnout for
age groups between 18 and 35 in every election after the landmark 1994 national elections, which marked the end of apartheid The youth of 1994 collectively desired change However, in the 2019 elections, News24 reported that at least 9 million people who were eligible to vote did not register to do so About 46% of this group were people aged 20 to 29
Today, SA faces challenges of re-engaging its youth interest in voting again Many young people don’t vote because they feel disconnected from pol-
itics, they don t trust the political system, or they lack information on how to participate in the national elections
Despite this, there are signs of growing interest in political matters among our youth, driven by issues such as education, a high level of unemployment, substance abuse and violence, and social justice and equality
Why the youth’s vote matters
Young voters represent a significant portion of the electorate, and their collective voices can greatly influence election outcome, and
shape the country’s future
The youth bring fresh perspectives innovative ideas and a dynamic approach to politics The unique experiences and aspirations of the youth can drive change and revitalisation in the political landscape Youth vote can influence policies that affects their education, employment, and healthcare
By participating in elections, young people can help shape a future that aligns with their interests For example, the #FeesMustFall movement demonstrates the power of youth activism in changing tertiary education funding policies Voting allows young people to hold elected officials accountable and demand transparency, responsiveness, and ethical governance Given that the youth make up a large part of the population, their collective voice can be a game-changer in elections Voting is about shaping not just the present but also creating a legacy for the future Barriers to youth voting
To the youth of today, I also have a wish to make: be the scriptwriters of your destiny and feature yourselves as stars that showed the way towards a brighter future - Birthday celebration for the Nelson Mandela Childrens Fund Johannesburg, South Africa 9 July 2008
Many young people feel disconnected from politics, which can lead to apathy They might believe that politics does not address their immediate concerns or that their votes don’t matter Misinformation and fake news, particularly on social media, can confuse young voters Young people might struggle to identify credible sources of information, which can lead to uncertainty about the facts and discourage them from participating in elections Young people, especially students, and those working, may find it hard to take time off to vote Election day logistics, such as long queues at polling stations, can further discourage participation
Interviews with a young South Africans reveals barriers to voting Ethen, a 24year-old from Gqeberha, expresses frustration: “I must work, and I can’t take off from work just because I have to vote, and by the time I knock off from work it’s already late, but I also feel like my vote won’t change anything Politicians don’t care about us ” Similarly, Antonecia (20), a first-
The power of the youth’s vote: Shaping SA’s future
time voter from Gqeberha, highlights logistical issues: “I didn’t know where to register, and when I found out, it was already too late ”
Mobilising the youth vote
Increasing youth voter turnout requires specific approaches, such as voter education campaigns, using social media, and involving peers Encouraging young people to act by registering to vote, staying informed about political issues, and participating in the electoral process, highlighting the importance of every vote and the collective power of the youth electorate
Khazimla Adam, an 18year-old junior city council mayor, said “As the largest demographic in SA, young people face significant challenges, such as limited access to education and high unemployment rates, even among graduates in fields like medicine and law
“For instance, nearly 800 qualified doctors remained unemployed, highlighting the severity of the issue
Additionally, budget cuts to NSFAS have worsened the difficulty of accessing tertiary education These obstacles hinder youths’ ability to pursue careers and secure their futures Politicians must address these concerns by creating inclusive policies and revisiting education funding Voting empowers young people to demand these changes and hold leaders accountable By voting, young people can significantly influence policies and ensure their voices are heard in a democratic system To increase the voter turnout, I have made numerous videos, campaigned and entered a competition all encouraging the youth, especially first-time voters to register and vote in numbers in the 2024 elections ”
The youth’s vote is vital for determining SA’s future Their collective voice can lead to meaningful change, making it imperative for every young person to exercise their right to vote Together, they can build a more equitable and prosperous SA
Clarize Maschaka, First year: BA MCC Nelson Mandela University Bibliography
Lekabe, T (2024) Record voter numbers? - IEC expects 2024 turnout to exceed that of 2019 election, City Press Available at: https://www news24 com/ citypress/politics/recordvoter-numbers-iec-expects2024-turnout-to-exceedthat-of-2019-election20240529 (Accessed: May 2024)
Mashishi , N and Ngcuka, O (2019) South Africa’s youth are shunning their country’s election, World Economic Forum Available at: https://www weforum org/agenda/2019/05/ in-their-own-words-whyyoung-south-africans-areshunning-their-countryselection/ (Accessed: 02 May 2024)
Mokobo, N (2024) Ramaphosa urges youth to vote amid rising apathy Available at: https://www sabcnews com/sabcnews/ancspresident-urges-youth-tovote-amid-rising-apathy/ (Accessed: May 2024)
Zigebe, Y (2024) Empowering our future: Why youth voting matters in the 2024 elections - United Democratic Movement, UDM Available at: https://udm org za/empowering-our-future-why-youthvoting-matters-in-the-2024elections/ (Accessed: May 2024)
● As part of preparation for this assignment, I employed 123rf com to generate an image for my article and Grammarly to correct grammar and spelling
CCBSA drives economic inclusion and youth empowerment across SA
Coca-Cola Beverages SA (CCBSA) is a proud industry leader in developing increasingly sustainable ways to manufacture, distribute and sell our products
We use our industry leadership to be part of the solution to achieve positive change in the world and to build a more sustainable future for the planet
As a business, our aim is to create greater shared opportunity for our business and the communities we serve across the value-chain
Opportunity is more than just money, it s about a better future for people and communities everywhere in SA
At CCBSA, we believe in growing our business the right way, not just the easy way
This helps create inclusive growth opportunities for linked communities, women and youth, customers, our employees and shareholders, for a better shared future
A proudly SA company, CCBSA employs over 7,400 people at 13 manufacturing facilities across the country
We are a subsidiary of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) and a bottler for The Coca-Cola Company
Our purpose is to refresh SA and make Africa a better place for all Our strategy is clear
It s centred on people our consumers and employees and driving sustainable solutions that build resilience into our business to respond to current and future challenges, while creating positive change for the planet
We focus on the highest priority sustainability issues facing our company, stakeholders, and communities, with the goal of maximising collective impact
These issues, which we review on a regular basis in collaboration with leading NGO partners, are integrated into both our business strategy and systemwide operations to simultaneously build resilience and drive growth
The company recently supported the annual Green Youth Indaba in Durban which provided a dynamic platform for more than 1,000 young leaders to engage with industry experts, policymakers, and said leaders
Together, we explored avenues for nurturing entrepreneurship, crafting innovative solutions, cultivating skills, and attracting global green economy investments, and contributing to the shared vision of a more sustainable world
We reaffirm our commitment to economic inclusion and youth empowerment through significant contributions to reducing youth un-
employment, supporting the educational aspirations of young people, and fostering and supporting enterprise and supplier development in SA
Economic inclusion is one of the pillars of our sustainability strategy
We understand that our business can only thrive when the communities we serve thrive too
Investing in communities ensures business sustainability
Our economic impact in SA extends far beyond our factories and offices
The most recent assessment (2021), commissioned by The Coca-Cola System (TCCS), reveals significant contributions to the country s economy, particularly in reducing youth unemployment and promoting enterprise and supplier development
The report, which underscores the importance of partnerships between businesses and communities in driving sustainable growth
and fostering social inclusion, included the following key findings:
CCBSA supported R36bn in value added across its value chain in 2021, equivalent to 0 58% of SA s GDP We generated 8,557 direct jobs and supported an additional 66,900 employment opportunities throughout our value chain
For every direct job at CCBSA, eight others are supported elsewhere in SA Sales generated R46bn in consumer spending in 2021, contributing significantly to the country s economic activity
Empowering communities through local procurement and enterprise development
Our company s commitment to enterprise and supplier development is evident through our extensive support for local businesses and suppliers
In 2021, we spent R16 1bn on goods and services procured from domestic suppliers, demonstrating a strong
focus on driving impact upstream in our value chain
Additionally, we have forged strategic partnerships to provide comprehensive support and specialised business skills to selected suppliers in our value chain, particularly those who are at least
51% SA black-owned enterprises, exempt microenterprises, or qualifying small enterprises By prioritising local procurement and investing in enterprise and supplier development, we are not only strengthening the economy
but also creating sustainable opportunities for youth and marginalised communities
Investing in future leaders: Our approach to education
CCBSA continues to invest in the development and support of young people
The Study Buddy bursary programme, which was launched in 2021, has assisted more than 100 deserving young people across communities in which we have operations, to access tertiary education
The fund pays for full tuition, accommodation fees, as well as textbooks
As CCBSA, we have invested more than R8m to support students in need
Our Study Buddy fund has also reached thousands more young people through additional programmes focused on supporting studies in technical skills as well as E-learning
Supporting SMME sector
The small, medium, and micro-enterprise (SMME) sector is a vital engine of growth in SA
We launched the Bizniz in a Box (BiB) initiative in 2016 with a view to create a platform to support emerging and small businesses, particularly those run by youth and women, and especially in informal and rural areas
Bizniz in a Box aims to create an ecosystem of viable microbusinesses offering complementary products and services in a community, using a spaza shop as the anchor Each business operates out of a custom-designed container
These businesses would help cover various needs of the local community, including a business centre/internet café, a car wash, a fast-food shop, or a mini baker
The BiB initiative has supported over 800 entrepreneurs across several provinces, including Limpopo, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal In total, we have spent more than R150m on BiB-related activities
Empowering youth is at the heart of our mission at CCBSA
We believe in providing young people with the resources and support they need to succeed, whether it s through education, training, or entrepreneurship opportunities
People matter Our planet matters We believe in doing business the right way by following our values and working towards solutions that benefit us all
Profitability is important, but not at any cost
ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT: Investing in young entrepreneurs through the Bizniz in a Box initiative
FUNDING THE FUTURE: CCBSA invests in future leaders at the Green Youth Indaba
EDUCATION MATTERS: Coca-Cola Beverages SA has assisted many deserving students through its Study Buddy Fund, which was launched in 2021
Abongile Stamper
EDUCATIONAL MESSAGE: ‘Awareness’ by Aaron Peo, Clarendon Primary School, grade 7
EXPERIMENTS IN SHADING: An artwork by Abongile Stamper
BEAUTY OF NATURE: An artwork by Carys Richards
TOPICAL ISSUE: Brylin Primary grade 7 pupil Ntsakisi Mathye focused on cyberbullying and peer pressure
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Clarendon Primary grade 7 pupil Alice Black, in the 12-13 age category created this work, ‘It starts with us’
RUGBY FEVER: Jemima Hibbert, a grade 4 in the nine to 10 year age category, from Clarendon Park Primary, was one of many young artists who focused on sport, with her submission, ‘We love you Bokke’
Aaron Peo
Winner: Creative writing submissions Poverty
by Sahana Kisten
So many kids do not go to school merely because their parents or families do not have enough money and this is not right
Kids deserve to be in school even if their families do not have enough money because education is a priority, and kids deserve to learn
All kids deserve to eat but most parents just simply cannot afford to put food on the table
I think our government should provide its citizens with quality education and decent meals every day
It is heartbreaking how many children die of starvation as well as hypothermia during the cold winter season because they do not have proper homes to pro-
tect them from the treacherous rains and thunderstorms
I feel that our government should take notice of these important things, step up and give every child in this country, the life they deserve
The least our government can do is bring down prices of food and clothes because these are basic human needs
The government should remember that the youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow, hence they should make sure that they make our youth a priority!
Sahana Kisten Curro Westbrook 12 years old grade 6
&UHDWLYH PLQGV
people shouldn
of garbage at the
The garbage flew into the
and I thought any sea creatures could eat it and die
People drink from plastic bottles at the beach and just throw it on the sand and don’t care! A plastic bottle decomposes after 450 years!
Gqeberha has lots of litter and that is not OK People should care about our city
My suggestions are people should recycle and as a child I’m going to try make the city better
Boma age: 10 grade 4
Runner-up: Article submissions
Practising contentment: Why the lure of a ‘soft life’ is potentially detrimental for the youth and what you can do about it
by Luvuyo Ncapayi
In their New Words section, the Cambridge Dictionary describes soft life as rejecting a life of stress and struggle to embrace and pursue a more relaxed and enriched one
The magnetic lure of the soft life in South Africa has led many young people down a cesspit of substance abuse, human trafficking and prostitution
Here are some practical and helpful ways to manifest and attract the ideal kind of soft life for you
Don’t Construe Social Media as Real Life
In the age of social media, many young people feel pressurised to emulate certain social lifestyles they see depicted on social media platforms This can be harmful for two reasons
Firstly, social media content is dramatically sensationalised The content is heavily manipulated to depict unrealistic living standards which are often unsustainable in addition
Secondly, social media does not reflect the entirety of society
DataPortal estimates that 42 8% of South Africa s 60 69million people are social media users
Popular social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook Messenger have a user percentage of 6 8%, 11 5%, and 10 1%, respectively
This means that more than half of the South African population are not on social media
Essentially, the lifestyles we see depicted on social media do not reflect the reality of more than half the population of South Africa
Set Realistic Life Goals
According to an article on
TitleMax, there are about 2,043 billionaires of the world s eight-billion people
That puts your chances of being among the world s richest 1% at 0 000025%
This puts the importance of setting realistic career goals into focused perspective
Be cognisant of the earning range in your career field and use that as a guidance to formulate your goals
Ensure that the goals are sequential It is highly unlikely that your first car purchase will be a Lamborghini
You will likely have to drive a Toyota, then a Nissan, a BMW, then a Range Rover, all before you get to a Lamborghini
Use step-by-step parameters to categorise your goals from short, to medium and long term
Live Within Your Means
The rising cost of living, inflation and rising fuel prices have meant a tough ordeal made life tough for South African consumers Now more than ever, it is paramount to cultivate a lifestyle that your pocket can afford
A KPMG bursary specialist was arrested for fraudulent activity amounting to more than R16 5-million
The employee allegedly misappropriated funds that were meant to benefit bursary applicants and redirected them into his personal accounts
He then allegedly used these funds to purchase numerous luxury vehicles for him and his girlfriend It is reported that this employee was earning a net salary of about R64,000
For the year 2023, Stats SA asserted that the average salary of South Africa s labour force (overtime and bonuses included) is
R23
863 The KPMG employee was earning nearly triple the average salary of the South African labour force yet he still found himself wound up in a web of corruption
It may seem to you that the life you are leading is unsatisfactory and inadequate but it is infinitely better than incurring debt to replicate an ingenuine one It is certainly better than potentially going to jail
Being Content
Given how increasingly materialistic everyday life has become it is important to attribute the perfect balance of ambition and contentment
Take a while to enjoy and savour accomplishments before setting your mind to the next achievement
Do not approach your life as a prescribed to-do list where you have to tick boxes in the allocated time
Goals and objectives require an immeasurable investment of time and effort to attain and this is not linear to everyone
If your goal was to purchase a house take time to decorate and design it according to your tastes
Host evening soirees and spend weekends and holiday periods indoors
All this is to say enjoy it thoroughly for a good period before even considering buying a new and better home
We all desire a stress-free prosperous life in which we attain most things that we envisage
However it is equally important to attain this life ethically and without compromising one’s integrity and moral compass
Remember a soft life is not worth it if you are accruing debt to finance it and you will most likely lose that car if you skirted the law in acquiring it
For more information on
Art submissions
social lifestyle indicators visit: www.statssa.gov.za
Bibliography
Cambridge Dictionary 2024 What is soft life?About Words - Cambridge Dictionary blog [Online] Available at: https://dictionaryblog cambridge org/ 2024/02/05/new-words-5february-2024/ [Accessed 30 May 2024]
What Are Your Odds of Becoming a Millionare? [Online] Available at: https://www titlemax com/ discovery-center/your-oddsof-becoming-a-millionaire/ #: :text=What%20are %20the%20odds%20of% 20becoming%20a%20billionaire%3F,billionaires% 20among%207 4%20billion %20people [Accessed 30 May 2024]
DataReportal 2024 Digital 2024:South AfricaDataReportal - Global Digital Insigts [Online] Available at: https://datareportal com/re-
ports/digital-2024-southafrica [Accessed 30 May 2024]
Money Web 2024 KPMG staffer's lavish lifestyle revealed after R16 5m arrest [Online] Available at: https://www moneyweb co za/news/southafrica/kpmg-staffers-lavishlifestyle-revealed-after-r165m-fraud-arrest/ [Accessed 30 May 2024]
Stats SA 2024 Indicators | Statsictics South Africa [Online] Available at: https:// www statssa gov za/ ?page id =593 [Accessed 30 May 2024]
Journalism UK 2008 How to: write for the web (part 1) | How to succeed in journalism [Online] Available at: https://www journalism co uk/skills/how-to-writefor-the-web-part-1-/s7/ a532549/ [Accessed 30 May 2024]
Disclaimer: No undeclared use of any GenAI tool has been included in the planning design and execution of this essay
COUCH POTATO: Don t fall into the trap of living a soft life , plan now for your future Picture: 123RF
NYDA Performance Achievement
The NYDA recognizes that South Africa’s youthful population presents an oppor tunity to boost economic grow th, increase employment and reduce pover ty It also recognizes that young people bear the brunt of unemployment and provide young people with broader oppor tunities which must be sought
It proposes the strengthening of youth ser vice programmes and the introduction of new, community-based initiatives to o er young people life skills training and entrepreneurship training The NYDA has achieved 100% of its targets for the year 2023/2024 anticipating achieving another clean audit once audit is completed by September 2024 Recent statistics paint a grim picture, however there remains slight encouraging signs such as the overall increase of jobs and a movement of discouraged work seekers to active work searchers Only through a social compact of all sectors of society can our ambitious goals be achieved The NYDA doors remain open to any individual or institution who is committed to giving young people the hand up they crave
NYDA Achievements for the year 2023/24
• A total of 2 200 youth owned enterprises were suppor ted with financial inter ventions and target met and exceeded due to the interest that young people have shown in the Programme and the NYDA willing to assist and suppor t these young people
• A total of 43 163 young people were suppor ted with non-financial business development inter ventions and target met and exceeded due to collaborations with local municipalities and provinces that we have MOU’s in place
Jobs that were created and sustained through suppor ting entrepreneurs and enterprises were 7 319 and target met and exceeded due to the Grant programme that was oversubscribed by young people and the interest shown by them
• A total of 1 203 beneficiaries suppor ted with business Development Suppor t Ser vices o ered to young people by NYDA and the overachievement was due to par tnership and Ser vice Level Agreement established with FASSET to implement the project with 3 Universities: University of Pretoria, University of Free State and University of KwaZulu-Natal
• A total of 55 549 young people were capacitated with skills to enter the job market, through Life Skills and Job Preparedness and target met and exceeded due to a number of young people who shown interest in life skills and job preparedness o ered by NYDA
• A total of 24 307 young people placed in jobs met and exceeded due to par tnership established because of intensive focus on par tnerships which increased the number of jobs for young people to be placed
National
Youth
Service
NPO Capacity Building Programme
In the 2023/24 financial year, the NYS enrolled 68 youth-led NPOs, par tnering with entities like the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) and the South African Association of Youth Clubs (SAAYC) to deliver training workshops and mentorship programs These initiatives, which included themes such as leadership, life skills, and social entrepreneurship, were designed to improve the governance, compliance, fundraising, and networking abilities of the NPOs The program also featured specific training oppor tunities, like the ICTage program funded by CISCO, which provided IT training and cer tification to par ticipants
The impact would take into account a variety of elements, including the organization’s original status, the e ectiveness of inter ventions, and the outcomes obtained Through the sur vey conducted with GIZ, 15,6% of the respondents (NPO’S) stated SARS education as most valuable inter vention Half (50%) of the respondents stated that they have a much more clear understanding of NYS after par ticipating in the incubation program
Revitalized Youth Service
Ten projects were contracted under the NYS program, all in various stages of implementation By the end of March 2024, a total of 22,306 par ticipants had obtained paid ser vice oppor tunities Among them, 18,115 par ticipants had finished community ser vice, while 4,357 young people had successfully transitioned into other income-generating oppor tunities The NYDA conducted a successful recruitment roadshow for the second cohor t of the NYS program, targeting underser ved communities across several provinces This initiative enhanced the program s visibility and engagement
The Young Creatives Program ( T YCP) is a collaboration with the Depar tment of Spor t, Ar ts and Culture led to the enrolment of 270 young creatives in the NYS program, providing them with oppor tunities in Community Ar ts Centres This program is set to extend through to March 2025, with R13 608 000 ( Thir teen Million Six Hundred and Eight Thousand Rand) allocated by the depar tment to suppor t it
The repor t outlines the number of young people that par ticipated in the Expanded National Youth Ser vice over the year Quar terly data shows fluctuations, with a notable increase in par ticipation in the second quar ter For the period under review, we repor ted 16339 young people contributing to the unit meeting and over-achieving this specific target for 2023/24 The NYS unit primarily focused on voter education and activities initiated by par tners Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) enrolled in the incubation program played a crucial role in implementing NYS Expanded Volunteer Projects (EVP), contributing significantly to the target of youth par ticipation in the expanded volunteer program
Impact of the Program
• At an individual level, par ticipants received comprehensive training packages that included technical skills, professional development, emotional intelligence, and patriotism These trainings aimed to prepare them for future employment and self-su ciency
• At the community level, the NYS par ticipants contributed to their local economies and communities by engaging in various activities such as waste removal, child safety, and food security programs The presence of NYS par ticipants helped raise awareness and suppor t community initiatives
BRICS Youth:
The NYDA held a successful inaugural meeting of the BRICS Youth Council in December 2023 which approved a strategy document for the term of o ce of the Council South Africa o cially handed over the Chair of BRICS and the Council to Russia
The Executive Chairpersons O ce has established a BRICS South Africa Youth Chapter whose views will continue to feed into the BRICS Youth Council
NYDA Amendment Bill
• The NYDA Board and Management fully par ticipated in the Committee meetings for the NYDA Amendment Bill during the third quar ters which has ultimately resulted in recommendations of the Bill to the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces The Bill has been recommended by the NCOP and the Bill has been sent to the President for signing into law The NCOP Select Committee has met with the Depar tment of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities and has no fundamental challenges with the bill
• The Board expresses its appreciation to management and all employees for their e or ts, oversight and suppor t in achieving satisfactor y per formance through another clean audit outcome We look forward to a better year ahead as we place youth at the front and centre of the economic recover y
Article submission
The lost generation: solving SA’s unemployment crisis
by Nilsa Rose Mahlango
The streets of SA are filled with the young people who are bright and eager to find employment, but find themselves shut out of the job market
The lost generation is unable to contribute to the country’s economy or achieve their dreams because they do not have money to do so This crisis of unemployment is not just a problem for individuals that are affected, but it is a problem to the society as a whole
According to statistics SA, the official unemployment rate among young people aged 15-35 years was at 45,5% in the first quarter of 2024
The problem of youth unemployment is compounded by several factors including quality education, limited job opportunities and mismatch between skills that are in demand in the job market
Lack of education
Lack of education is a major factor contributing to youth unemployment in SA In many poor and rural areas of SA, schools are underresourced leading to a low quality of education and high dropout rate
According to Eric, schools in rural areas face challenges that are unique to their environment He continues by stating that in rural areas there is a shortage of educated teachers which may also limit the quality of education that the students from those areas get In some parts of the Eastern Cape province including the Dikidikini village there are still no proper roads for schoolchildren to use to get to school The only route they use for them to get to school and coming back home is by swimming across a river During rainy seasons this becomes an obstacle to them and they can even stay at home for weeks This results in children dropping out of school as they cannot risk their lives then end up being an educated and un-
employed
Skills mismatch “I matriculated it in 2022 and couldn’t further my studies in any tertiary institution because of poor marks in mathematics and physical sciences I tried applying for jobs online but all the posts that I come across require me to have certain skills or experience which I do not have because I am a fresh graduate from high school” says Khensani Nkuna (19) Nkuna how she has been struggling to get employment ever since she finished high school due to not meeting the skills requirements for that specific job Skills mismatch is indeed a significant factor leading to youth unemployment Our education sys-
Poetry submissions
South Africa
by Isabella Goosen
This is my country, my home, my pride
It stretches out like the sky, so blue and wide
Each part of our country is different you ll see
Each person is different like you and me
Our country is special, each and every part
I hope you will see that from the very start
There s Cape Town with its beautiful, dark, shiny blues
And wonderful Table Mountain, cable car views
There s Limpopo with its green national park
And bright, pretty stars that shine in the dark
In Gqeberha you ll see the warm, sunny coasts With the wonderful beaches and waves that it boasts
This is our country shown in a very small peek
SILENT SCREAM:
Losing Our Voice , an art submission by Mila Mnunu, a grade 6 Clarendon Park Primary pupil in the 11-12 age category
tem in SA focuses on theoretical learning rather than hands-on practical skills that are in demand in the job market As a result young people struggle to find jobs that require certain skills or job experiences because employers prefer candidates with a certain education level and work experience
The emotional struggles of unemployment
As young people are struggling to get employment they face numerous challenges that can have an impact on their emotional well-being For many young people unemployment is not just a financial challenge but a source of deep emotional pain and frustration
“Sometimes I feel like the govern-
ment is not for young people in this county Most of us finish school just to be couch potatoes I am even afraid to ask my parents for money because it makes me feel like I’m being a burden to them I even feel guilty and ashamed that at this big age I’m not able to provide financially to my family At this point I feel uncertain and fearful about my future, as I do not know if I will ever be able to find a job” , says 24 years old Zanele, who has been struggling to get employment ever since she matriculated in 2019
Unemployment has many mental health effects on individuals Youth that are struggling to get employment experience high levels of stress and anxiety as they are worried about their future and the ability for them to find a job Young people that are unemployed feel like there is no hope for the future, this gives a sense of hopelessness resulting and depression and other mental health problems
The effects of unemployment
The social consequences of youth unemployment in SA are far reaching and complex, affecting both individuals and societies as a whole High levels of unemployment an increased rate of crime and violence In one of the communities in the West Rand District of the Gauteng province, community members say unemployment among young people is the major cause of crime in the community Fochville community member and social worker Zelda Sithole echoed this view “Youth unemployment is driving up crime rates in our community as young people turn to illegal activities to make money This puts everyone at risk and creates an unsafe environment for all of us” Young people that are unemployed become bored and due to
That Girl
by Holly Webb
You re going out on dates,
Drinking vodka with your mates
While I m already in bed
Tears turning my cheeks red
What am I doing wrong?
I ve tried to play along
I ve been kind, haven t I?
desperation to earn money to satisfy their needs, they turn to crime
Many young people are even more likely to engage into unprotected sexual behaviour, which leads to pregnancies Their intention in doing this is to get the Sassa Child Support Grant from the government so they can at least have some pocket money
Innovative solutions to unemployment
The government should invest in crating internships which will be used as an innovative solution to address the problem of youth unemployment in SA The internships can will consist of programs that provide young people with handon training and experience in specific industries which will bridge the gap between education and unemployment These can be programs that teach the youth about entrepreneurship, help them start their own businesses and support young entrepreneurs Then initiatives like Nasi iSpani, are programs that empower employment among South African citizen in the Gauteng province by offering about 480 0000 training opportunities Programs like these can then be implemented countrywide to match job seekers with their potential employers
Nilsa Rose Mahlango BA MCC: Nelson Mandela University first year student
References Du Plessis P M (2019-Septenber) Teachers for Rural Schools–A Challenge for South Africa South African Journal of Education Eric 9 Nasi iSpani (2024 May 31) Retrieved from Nasi iSpani: http:www jobs gauteng gov za/ Statistics SA (2024 May 31) Retrieved from Statistics SA: http://www statssa gov za
It will show you lots of pleasures and joys that you seek
But that s not the best part of this wonderful place
It s the beautiful smiles on each and every face
Here, no-one is judged by the colour of their skin
Nor by the battles and wars that they win
We ve made some big mistakes, that I won t deny
But our country is known for the odds we defy
We are a beautiful rainbow nation
A shining example of God s great creation
This is our country, our pride, our home
And when in South Africa you ll never stand alone
Isabella Goosen, Clarendon Park Primary School, grade 7
I ve never questioned why
I didn t get the invite
I just want to be the girl
The one with the perfect curls
The one the boys like
The one who s always your type
She s never boring
Her flaws are always endearing
Because she s her
The one you d kill to call yours
You ll never know what it s like
To face unwarranted dislike
Because everyone loves you
No matter what you ve been through
But no-one wants the reject
Because she isn t perfect
It doesn t matter if she s kinder,
Or if her words are a little nicer
She s still not her
Maybe if I was prettier,
If my social life was busier
Would I be good enough then?
Could I be her?
Could you like me?
Would you think to invite me?
If I lost weight,
Went out on a date?
Could I be her?
Could I be cool?
Would you stop being so cruel?
I just want to belong
I m tired of being strong
If I could be that girl,
Maybe I d fit into this world
But I m not that girl
I m the one crying in bed,
With her cheeks turning red
Because she s not perfect
Something you can t accept
Holly Webb, age 17, grade 11, Merrifield College
Art submissions
Creative writing submissions
Precious
Youth
by Clasien Wassin
In today’s life, we face many challenges such as peer pressure and crime
It’s horrific knowing that 20% of teens try to take their lives every year (according to the South African Society of Psychiatrists)
This results in an astounding amount of undocumented teenage deaths
Peer pressure is a pandemic, because every year precious youth get pressured into things like doing drugs, killing others and even killing themselves
In today’s life we should be incredibly careful because there are many things happening around us
Looks are deceiving, it’s the everyday unsuspecting innocent people that could be the most dangerous
We as teens can no longer
roam freely outside
There is so much going on and we are urged to not even trust our friend’s parents
My precious and dear fellow youth; I call on you that we STOP pressurising our peers
It hurts seeing one of us die each day while we act like nothing is happening
Deep down, we are all facing the same mental struggles, so I plead with you that we think before we say or do something to others
We don’t know what another teen might be going through neither should we judge them by their appearance or a false perception of their attitude
It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it!
Clasien Wassin, Curro Westbrook, 13 years old, grade 7
The challenges of the youth today by Yazeed Turner
Unemployment is a major problem in South Africa
There are people on the street at every robot selling oranges or apples, etc
The government sees this happening and does not act on it to deal with the issue
According to https://www statista com, about 55% of South Africa s population is unemployed and the rest of the 45% are employed
I strongly believe there should be 100% employment and absolutely 0% unemployed
There needs to be more types of jobs created in South Africa because the main reason of unemployment is because you need to have experience for certain jobs
People don t want to give the unemployed people a chance so how must they get experience if people don t want to hire them?
The crime rate in South Africa is appalling
According to https://www statista com, South Africa is the fifth most dangerous country due to its crime
There were 27,495 killings in South Africa in 2023
As well as a shocking amount of burglaries which have increased by 50% from 2013
The reason why people are robbing stores is because everything is so expensive, although statistics from https://www statista com reveal that inflation has decreased to 5,3% in March from 5,6% in February 2023
That will also be the reason why they hardly robbed stores and houses back in the 1980s and 90s because back then items was quite cheap
Social media and cybercrime is another major problem in South Africa
The reason for that is because
people can see what you re doing on social media as well as be able to track your phone if your location is left on for a long period of time
Hackers can hack your phone to spy on your phone and retrieve all your personal information
People send out emails saying Congratulations you have won an iPhone 15 Pro, just enter your address and postal code below so we will be able to deliver it or Your medical aid account is insufficient, please enter your card details as well as your ID information so we can retry from our end
Those are only two of the scams they send there are much more
This does not only happen in South Africa, it also happens everywhere around the world T hose are the only horrific issues that stand out to me
Yazeed Turner, Curro Westbrook, 11 years old, grade 6
SYMBOLIC SHOES: ‘Growing Up Too Fast’ an artwork by grade 7 Clarendon Park Primary pupil Ingaliso Mnqatu
ONLINE OBSTACLES: ‘Cyberbullying’ by Buhlebenkosi Zwane, a 12-year-old grade 6 pupil from Brylin Primary School
INSIGHTFUL ART: An unnamed portrait, submitted by Stholenhle Sithole
