YOUTH MONTH REFLECTIONS

Honouring The Youth, Inspiring the Future: Reflections from KRISP’s Young Professionals

text: Paul Harris, photo: Paul Harris

This June, as South Africa commemorated Youth Day, we at KRISP took a moment to reflect on the importance of this day—not just in remembrance of the past, but in celebration of the present and the promise of the future. Youth Day marks a powerful moment in our nation’s history, honouring the courage of the 1976 student uprisings and reminding us of the role young people continue to play in driving change.

To mark the occasion, we sat down with eight of our talented young colleagues at KRISP and asked them three questions:

1. What does Youth Day mean to you, and how does its legacy influence young professionals today?

2. As a young professional, how do you see your role in shaping a better future for the next generation of South Africans?

3. What advice would you give to a youngster who wants to follow in your professional footsteps?

Their responses were thoughtful, inspiring, and deeply personal— offering a glimpse into how the legacy of Youth Day continues to empower a new generation of scientists, researchers, and changemakers.

Dr. Amsha ViraragavanPostdoctoral Fellow at KRISP

1. For me, Youth Day in South Africa is a symbol of courage and sacrifice. We pay tribute to the courageous and resilient individuals who fought for equal educational opportunities during the 1976 Soweto Uprising. Youth Day is a significant reminder to us that courage, togetherness and boldness can challenge the status quo, by asking those difficult questions and drive change.”

2. “As a young professional, I envision myself as an element of courage and a voice for progress in spaces where change is needed. I believe that my role as a young scientist goes beyond research – the knowledge and experience gained helps me inspire others and advocate for solutions that benefit future generations. By leading with integrity, sharing opportunities, and breaking down barriers in science and innovation, I hope to empower the next generation of South African youth to dream bigger, think critically, and step confidently into their purpose.”

3. “Own your greatness and use your talents to make a lasting difference in the world. Be bold, be courageous. If you have a burning desire to pursue something you’re passionate about - go for it. Don’t wait for permission or the perfect moment. Start where you are, with what you have, and trust that your efforts will lead you forward. The world needs your voice, your vision, and your energy.”

Anele

Zungu

- MSc Student at KRISP

1. “Youth Day is a powerful reminder of the courage and resilience. Hundreds of my brothers and sisters had to lose their lives just to have a fair education system which is a basic human right across all South Africans. Personally, it reminds me that as a young Black South African I am standing on the shoulders of heroes who fought for the opportunities I now have opportunities to study, to question, and to contribute meaningfully to society. It challenges me to not only honour their legacy but to build on it by grabbing every opportunity I have to learn.”

2. “As a medical science researcher, I see my role as one of representation, innovation and I aspire to become an individual that can contribute to make HIV a problem of the past for the next generation to only read about in History books. I want young South Africans, especially Black girls from underrepresented communities to see someone who looks like them in science and believe they belong too.”

3. “I would tell them that just having the choice of what they want to do is privilege enough and in everything they do they should put their best foot forward because the sooner you work hard the easier your life becomes later.”

Nqobile Mthembu - MSc Student at KRISP

1. “Youth Day is a powerful reminder of the courage and resilience of young people who stood up against injustice during the 1976 Soweto Uprising. Personally, it symbolizes the strength of youth-led change. For young professionals today, it serves as a legacy of working towards challenging the norm and current injustice.”

2. “Being the change you want to see in society. Being visible , working hard and sharing knowledge and guidance.”

3. “My advice would be to work hard, be truthful to yourself, and to always ask for help when in need.”

Thembelihle Tombo - MSc Student at KRISP

1. “Youth Day reminds me of the courage of past generations and inspires young people to lead with purpose and accountability.”

2. “I aim to create opportunities, share knowledge, and mentor others to drive progress and empowerment.”

3. “Stay curious, work hard, and never underestimate the power of discipline and consistency.”

Hlengiwe Shange - MSc Student at KRISP

1. “Youth Day reminds me that we’ve always had power, even when we were toldx we didn’t. The students of 1976 weren’t politicians; they were young, Black learners who chose to speak up. Their stories still echo in today’s township schools, where the struggle continues. And for me, it’s not just a history lesson, it’s a daily call to consider how we’re using the voice they fought to protect. As young professionals, we honour that legacy not just by being visible, but by being intentional, using our skills, platforms, and presence to stand in the gap, open doors, and quietly shift things forward for those who come after us. It may not always be loud, but it’s still resistance. It’s still change.”

2. “I see my role as a connector, someone who understands where the youth are coming from because I’ve been there. I believe growth means little if it doesn’t create space for others to rise too. Whether it’s through mentoring or simply checking in on someone who’s overwhelmed, I try to make others feel seen and supported. My grandmother used to say, “Akukho kufika endaweni engenamnyango,” meaning you’ll never arrive at a place with no door. That’s stayed with me, because the true impact lies in leaving the door open for those who come after you.”

3. “I didn’t get here by having it all figured out. I just kept choosing to show up. I followed what felt meaningful: helping classmates, volunteering, saying yes to research opportunities even when I felt unsure. If you want to work in science or health, start by being present where you are. Join things. Ask questions. Find people who care about the same things you do and learn beside them. The real growth happens in moments when you feel a little out of your depth but decide to stay anyway. That’s how I found my footing, not through perfection, but through purpose and showing up with heart.”

Mulalo Raphalalani - KRISP Intern

1. “Youth today to me is a powerful reminder of the courage and resilience of the young people that stood up to fight for the injustice in the education system. It reminds me that it is because of them that a young girl from Gondeni has walked the path from primary school to postgraduate studies. I think this influences the youth to keep fighting for equal access to educational opportunities as we have seen with fees must fall movements.”

2. “By teaching them the importance of education and continuing being a better version of myself so that they can be inspired. Through education, young people gain essential skills like problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking—that prepare them for the workforce and daily life challenges. Thereby making them independent. If I can set a positive example by showing how education helped me gain independence, I believe it will inspire others to follow the same path.”

3. “I would tell them that education is the key to success, however it requires more than just reading books, they must learn to be brave, accept the failures and try again, have good manners and be persistent. But most importantly they must believe in themselves and be able to voice out their perspectives.”

Kisharia Dharamdev - KRISP Intern

1. “To me, this day is a reminder of the brave youth who stood up for their rights as well as the sacrifices they made during the apartheid regime. Their legacy empowers young South Africans to rise up against an ongoing struggle of inequality and social injustice, to pursue their passions and make a difference towards a better future.”