Youth day supplement

YOUTH DAY 2023

FOR THE YOUTH BY THE YOUTH

TertiaryArticle Second Runner Up

Navigating the challenges faced by youth

Michael Hudson Third year Bcom Management Marketing, Boston City Campus

Young people in South Africa are confronted with a multitude of obstacles As reported by Statistics

South Africa and the Optimus Study, at the beginning of 2019, 63% of the country’s youth were unemployed and research has shown that they are at high risk of falling victim to crime

Inequality is another significant issue that prevents the country’s youth from being empowered According to a study by the World Bank (n d ), South Africa is still the most unequal country globally, with race being a primary factor in this inequality

Being black in South Africa, particularly a black woman, means you are more likely to be impoverished, live in a deprived area, be unemployed, have lower levels of education and not possess assets such as land

Mental health is also a concern for young people in South Africa

Access to mental health services is

only available to those who can afford it Many young people in the country cannot afford therapy or counselling because it is not cheap or free

This means that those who need it most do not have access to it There are some institutions that offer free therapy sessions, but afterwards payment is expected, which hinders progress The only way to receive free therapy sessions is if one has experienced a traumatic event such as rape or attempted murder or other serious crimes

Alcohol abuse is another challenge faced by young people in South Africa

Due to issues such as unemployment, inequality and lack of access to mental health resources, many young people turn to alcohol as a way of coping We can all deny this, but we have seen the lengths that young people have gone to obtain alcohol during the country’s lockdown

We saw stores being looted and instead of food and other necessities being taken, bottles of alcohol

were stolen We know people who cannot go without at least one drink before bed They drink almost every weekend Whether this is to numb the pain or avoid dealing with their problems, it is an issue that we must all acknowledge

Youth empowerment has long been recognised as a catalyst for addressing youth unemployment and other challenges facing young people

However, many factors hinder the expansion of youth empowerment to achieve its intended

Youth empowerment refers to prioritising and including young people in all levels of decision-making processes

It involves researching the chal-

lenges facing young people, engaging them on possible solutions and designing targeted strategies to mitigate risks and encourage development

Although youth empowerment has the potential to address most of the problems facing young people, its success rate has been low due to numerous factors

These include a lack of necessary infrastructure, lack of strong youth empowerment policies, limited youth empowerment activities, poor involvement of young people in decision-making processes for each youth empowerment programmme and poor participation in these programmes

Adhering to the basic principles of youth empowerment can improve its success rate

Young people become empowered when they have effective policies that protect and drive their initiatives; they are included in decision-making processes; their voices are heard and respected; their opinions and ideas are implemented; they are given the opportunity to take ownership of programmes;

they are given the opportunity to design solutions to their problems; a diverse group of peers participates in these programmes; they are provided with tools and resources to participate in such programmes; communication is done in a language they easily understand

It is essential for public and private sectors to work together to develop strategies that will support youth empowerment initiatives

The The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) is one of the leading African development finance institutions with a mandate to build prosperity for all Africans

In conclusion, young people in South Africa face many challenges including unemployment, inequality, mental health issues and alcohol abuse It is important for society to address these challenges and provide support and resources for young people

Youth empowerment can be an effective tool for addressing these challenges if they are implemented correctly

throughtout this edition of The Herald Youth Day supplement Competition winners are walking away with prizes from Vodacom, Ster-Kinekor, Nando’s, Walmer Park Shopping Centre and PickWicks Books and Stationers

Many young people turn to alcohol as a way of coping

Youth is happy because it has the capacity to see beauty. Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old.

Franz Kafka

We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

It is easy, when you are young, to believe that what you desire is no less than what you deserve, to assume that if you want something badly enough, it is your God-given right to have it.

Jon Krakauer

Art Entries Primary school

Hannah Johnston, Clarendon Park Primary School, grade 5

Qhawe Mbabela, Clarendon Park Primary School, grade 7

Meekha Pillay, Collegiate High School, grade 3

Levi Verreynne, Clarendon Park Primary School, grade 7

Hein Geyser, Clarendon Park Primary School, grade 5

High school

Art Entries

Karla Erasmus, Otto du Plessis High School, grade 10

Chreslin Octavian Jansen, Hillside Secondary School, grade 8

Aphiwe Cetywayo, Walmer High School (Masifunde Learner Development NPC), grade 10

Somilangaye Dyoyi, Walmer High School (Masifunde Learner Development NPC), grade 10

Lihle Links, Walmer High School (Masifunde Learner Development NPC), grade 10

Sarah van der Merwe, Theodore Herzl High School, grade 8

Moosa Vawda, Muir College, grade 9

Kennah Henry, Willow Academy, grade 10

Poetry Entries High school

I,m depressed

No one seems to care

I,m constantly on the edge yet no one seems to want to push mebecause they love tormenting me

They always blame and hurt me

Can t they see my cry for help?

I can t talk to the ones I love because they just won t understand

Sometimes I look in the mirror and despise myself

Yes- because society taught me to judge

To be cruel and ruthless

Indifferent to rest of the world

Incapable of truly loving others-

All because love hurts

So I,m afraid to hurt others too

So here I am on this lonely road

Depression: The forbidden word Alaska Chapman, Alexander Road High School, grade 11

I met a boy

I met a boy

He talked weird, he walked weird and he certainly looked weird

He also smelt weird, but weird in a good way

I remember one day we were walking home together We were going the same way you see, and he got a bit ahead of me When I walked behind him all I could do was stare at his white vest, his denim shorts, his dilapidated slippers, the trees, the bends of the pavement, and all the rays of light that remained in the red afternoon sky

All I could do was stare as they embraced him

His hands flew up high and he had this swagger to him Maybe freedom is a better word to describe it, but I saw something incredible It was like it was ripped out of a Martin Scorsese film

It was like it was his moment

Oh, you want to know his name? Hmm, it was it was a secret

He said it was a secret

To be honest I don t think he knew I don t think he even wanted to Anon

A journey that never ends

My life is a story and so is yours

Mine leads to many, many doors

Sometimes it s better to hide the key

Because you might cry from what you see

My life is a journey, I ll walk that path alone

I know how to do things on my own

I just want to leave, get some air

Even though I don t belong

So many things have gone wrong

I ll go to a place that s really far, where no one can judge you for who you are

Thashanti Hart, Collegiate Girls’ High School, grade 9

Empty

It hits my veins

I breath it in

The smoke clouds my vision

Obscures the view

I feel it

I see it

It pulls me in Nothingness

It's calm here

No shouting No voices

No screams next door

The throbbing ache in my chest is numb

I'm sitting on the floor The cold concrete is hard but doesn't hurt I breath out

There's dirt under my fingernails

I dunno how it got there

My hands are shaking

Someone else's heart is breaking

Mine is broken can't fix it

Shattered pieces scattered round Even here in this fog

This darkness

Fear clings to my skin

Fear it'll end I breath in

Ayesha Brood, Nizamiye alazahar institute, grade 9

A Letter From the Youth

Help us, South Africa

Save us from our early ending youth

Let us live out our childhoods until their end

Let us learn what innocence feels like

Support us, South Africa

As we try to create a future

Filled with equal opportunity

Let us feel what Ubuntu feels like

Be with us, South Africa

Save our youth from a life of misfortune

Let us feel safe in our communities

Let us learn what love feels like

Let our youth live as long as it should

Let our youth die when it is ready

We are not ready for the end

Help us help you, South Africa

Emily Ball, Collegiate Girls’ High School, grade 9

Generational diversity

Each generation of my family grew up in a different Era

The suburb my grandfather grew up in was so big so diverse filled with all walks of life

You’d think it’s a small town on its own

My mother learnt a lot from my grandfather even though he had the most basic form of education

Times were different than now

My mother got the opportunity to study at university

There she became a friend of diversity

Having an education was important for my mother’s generation

Education was the tool she used to pick at the lock of adversity

It meant their freedom

The gears in the clock of life moved forward giving me a chance to grow up differently in a new age

I was raised with the same morals as the past time

What separates me from her generation

Is for her education meant freedom

While she aspired to gain it

I ran away from it

As for me it meant imprisonment

Even though it may seem foolish

I’ll still overcome adversity through ambition

For I live in a new age

Aasif Beydon, al Azhar high school, grade 11

The Dance of The Mindsets

poverty and i dodge each other so vigorously we take turns to toss the ball it is vengeance at its best I cry out perish ! as serve the ball it hits home then, I remember Home thunder will never strike me i remember poverty s defeat it turned into ashes like letters never sent I will never compete against poverty I already won

Tadiwa Moyo, Riebeek College Girls’ High School, grade 12

ISUZU INVESTS IN YOUTH AS A FUNDAMENTAL STEP TO BOLDLY BUILD A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Over 25% of ISUZU Motors South the age of 35, this is a testament to ISUZU’s continued commitment of driving meaningful employment opportunities for future leaders, energised to take action and make a positive impact.

South Africa’s youth continue to bear the burden of unemployment due to many circumstances, lack of workplace experience being one of them. As an internationally recognised top employer, ISUZU is committed to living its ethos of being bold and driving

ISUZU believes that youth have a fundamental role to play in the growth and sustainability of business, the economy, country, and our planet- our future depends on our youth being empowered to take positive action which boldly builds a viable future for us all

In support of economic transformation initiatives, ISUZU remains committed to investing in the progress and evolution of young South Africans, particularly for employability.

The Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme, launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa to give youth 12-months of workplace experience, is one such initiative which ISUZU recognises as a valuable platform to identify and grow talent ISUZU has permanently employed over 40% of all YES learners who have participated in the programme during 2020 to 2022.

“Nelson Mandela said that sometimes it falls upon a generation to be great ISUZU encourages all youth to be this generation, to be self-motivated and rise to their potential- this is one way to BE BOLD in building the future, ” said Senior Vice President for Human

From left: Anelisa Sigaba, Landle Carelse, Amanda Magwa, Mihlali Spondo and Luthando Mpehlo

TertiaryArticle First Runner Up

The control of social entrepreneurship — how young innovators are changing the world

Sisonke Zide

First year, BAMCC, NMU

As the world struggles with issues like poverty, inequality, and climate change, a new generation of young people is rising up to make a difference These social entrepreneurs are tackling social and environmental concerns with innovative ideas, and a strong desire to make the world a better place

In today s economy and society, social entrepreneurship is quickly becoming a major force It has the potential to have a significant influence, not just in terms of financial rewards, but also in terms of bringing about beneficial social and environmental change

Social entrepreneurs create enterprises that benefit their communities while solving crucial social concerns This article examines the power of social entrepreneurship and how it contributes to the creation of a more sustainable society

Lasizwe Dambuza, 24, Johannesburg

This young, dedicated maen, shares his rough upbringing being neglect-

ed by his father, and his mother passing away while he was a young boy He is now a social media personality and a YouTuber The young entrepreneur started blowing up social media by being on a Fanta cooldrink advert He earns around R68 953,30 per month, just from YouTube He teaches the youth to take charge of their lives while there is still time He influences the youth in being able to believe in themselves He shows them that there are ways of making money not only from a job, but by becoming your own boss

Nqobile Msibi, 25, Johannesburg

WeSit Technologies founder and CEO was a babysitter herself when she realised the safety issues associated with babysitting for both parents and sitters

Her company is founded on trust, and she intends to expand and incorporate training and consistent revenue for all WeSit sitters Her company helps to shape regulations governing businesses such as babysitting, ensuring that sitters, parents, and children are better protected Nqobile made her aspirations and passions a reality, and

she harnessed her enthusiasm to make the impossible attainable

Paballo Nkwe, 23, Johannesburg

INOBI Protein Bars is the founder of a firm that makes high-protein snack bars with locally sourced ingredients Nkwe began her company with a loan from her grandmother in 2019, and by 2020, she had acquired money from a number of investors, including Newton Partners, a South African venture capital fund

INOBI Protein Bars are now available in major South African supermarkets, and Nkwe intends to expand into other African countries She has inspired many young individuals to grow more in terms of being business minded

Murendeni Mafumo, 25, Limpopo

He founded Kusini Water, a company that manufactures water filtration systems from locally obtained materials Mafumo launched his company in 2015 with the help of an investor grant According to an International labour organisation assessment, South Africa has an unemployment rate of over 30%, with young unemployment projected to

be more than 50% Mafumo has been a fantastic example to the young, demonstrating to the globe that youth can take the world to new heights He has inspired South African youngsters to believe in their ability to change the world

Smangele Sibisi, 25, Johannesburg

Indalo Nubian Naturals Hair Salon s founder and owner started her company when she realised there was a need Three months later she had ten workers, and the positive feedback from her clients provided her with the inspiration she needed to continue her business venture, even if it wasn t easy

What I didn t expect about entrepreneurship is that you never stop working to maintain your business ahead of the competition

She thinks that everyone is capable of transforming a bad circumstance into a good one by utilising God-given skills

All of these young social entrepreneurs are examples of young individuals who are leveraging their abilities and passions to make a difference in the world They are disrupting the status quo and giving

hope and inspiration to communities all over the world by using the power of business, creativity, and cooperation So, if you re a young person with a great idea and a passion for change, take heart - there are endless possibilities to make a difference and build a better world for us all

Social entrepreneurship has shown to be an effective means of bringing about beneficial social and environmental change Social entrepreneurs are motivated by a desire to tackle some of society s most urgent issues, and they bring to their work a unique blend of business abilities, creativity, and enthusiasm Social entrepreneurs have proved that it is possible to attain financial sustainability while also achieving social and environmental benefit through creative business structures and collaborations They have developed new markets, goods, and services to solve a wide range of concerns, including poverty, healthcare, education, and the environment We can help construct a more resilient, sustainable, and fair future for everyone by supporting social entrepreneurs and their activities

Tertiary Article Winner

The rise of mental health issues among South African youth

Odwa Matinyana

First year, BAMCC, NMU

In recent years, South Africa has seen a startling increase in the number of young people facing mental health challenges

Depression, anxiety, and other related illness have become more prevalent, indicating that youth is in crises

Despite increased awareness about mental health issues, the prevalence of these conditions remains high and has been linked to various factors such as social media and economic challenges, bullying, academic pressures, substance abuse and intergeneration trauma

Depression is one of the leading mental health issues affecting the youth of south Africa

A recent study shown by the South African Anxiety and Depression Group (SADAG) reveals that one in four south African teenagers commit suicide, with depression being the leading cause

The study also highlighted that seven in ten teenagers don t receive any help, which emphasises the need for more awareness and support service to address this issue Anxiety disorders affect nearly one in five South African adults, with similar trends among the youth, according to the South African Stress and Health Study, 66% of young adults with anxiety disorder also have depression

The study further reveals that young people who experience emotional, physical or sexual abuse, or witness violence are at a greater risk of developing anxiety

disorders

The situation is no better for young people who abuse alcohol or drugs Substance abuse is the significant contributor to mental health challenges and it s a problem that heavily affects youth

The Youth Risk Behaviour Survey (YRBS) shows that one in three south Africans school pupils has tried drugs or alcohol

The survey further reveals that substance abuse is prevalent among high school and tertiary students from all backgrounds and geographic areas, and often leads to other problems, such as addiction, depression and anxiety

Social media is also identified

as a significant contributor to mental health challenges, particularly among the youth Research shows that excessive social media use can lead to a feeling of isola-

tion, anxiety, depression, fear of missing out, and cyberbullying

The rise of social media has created unrealistic expectations that one must always be happy and perfect, which leads to pressure in maintaining a perfect online image, contributing to mental exhaustion and other issues

The impact of these statistics on the young population is enormous Mental illness can have long lasting and life threating effects, and without proper care and support, can lead to long term health problems

The situation is compounded by stigmatisation, particularly in South Africa and other African

communities, making it difficult for young people to seek treatment owing to the fear of judgement and shame

However, there is good news

There are different ways that young people can deal with mental health issues, and many organisations are working to provide support and care For instance, SADAG provide a 24-hour helpline for people who need to talk to someone about any mental health matters

There are also resources available for young people on healthy life choices and dealing with stress or mental health issues through the Life Choice website and B4SA Youth Challenge

At a grassroots level, families and communities can help by providing a supportive environment and encouraging young people to seek professional help when they need it

Furthermore, schools and work places need to create inclusive environments that nurture wellness and provide support for those facing mental health challenges

Mental health challenges among young South Africans are on the rise, and we need to address them as a matter of urgency

It s important to recognise that mental health affects everyone and that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but rather a sign of strength

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health difficulties, don t hesitate to seek help Together we can create a healthy society that embraces mental wellness and helps youth to overcome the challenges they face

It’s important to recognise that mental health affects everyone and that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but rather a sign of strength

MIND MATTERS: There are different ways that young people can deal with mental health issues, and many organisations are working to provide support and care Picture: 123RF

High school

Winner

One, two, three

She had always felt lonely

She wasn’t well liked

So, she never had friends

It felt like an opportunity,

When she was offered a bottle of alcohol

It smelled foul,

Looked foul,

Most likely tasted foul too

Yet the liquid looked lonely and inviting

Without a second thought,

She chugged it down

One gulp, two gulps, three gulps

The bottle was empty

And suddenly, she wasn’t so lonely

One bottle, two bottles, three bottles

Every bottle was an opportunity

Every bottle made her sick

Every bottle gave her friends

Without a worry, she didn’t care

If she had friends,

How could she dare,

To waste that lonely bottle?

“Where did you go?”

Her parents would ask “It’s so late, this is no time for parties ”

She disagreed, a party meant alcohol

Alcohol meant friends

“I had to go ”

She’d say

“I’ve got nothing else ”

Then she’d spend another night,

With not a wink of sleep

Mornings arrived loud and uninviting

She felt uncomfortable, Tired, Unfocused

She’d vomit every day,

She’d fainted too many times

Yet, she returned every night

To that bottle:

The main cause of her troubles

One too many nights,

Spent dancing and drinking

Not a care in the world

The lonely, lonely liquid

She craved it She hated it

It was her only opportunity

For a friend

It looked foul,

It tasted foul,

It was foul

And she kept coming back

One night, the lonely liquid betrayed her

She fainted

She didn’t wake up

Not a friend of hers knew,

Not a friend of hers cared

When she did wake up,

She was blinded by a light

She didn t bother speaking

All she needed to do was listen

I m sorry,

She heard

Your daughter has heart failure

She could barely widen her eyes at the news

At this stage, there isn t much we can do

There was begging but she d already tuned herself out by then

Her eyes drooped shut and she stopped thinking

The lonely liquid had betrayed her

All she heard then,

Was a loud beeping noise

Doctors, nurses rushed to her side

And finally, there was silence

A wasted opportunity Rania Yon, Collegiate Girls’ High School, grade 8

Poetry Winners

First place

Hope I ache for the child

Waking up in the street, No pillow by his head Or shoes on his feet

I ache for the child

Who’s up working late, Slaving away

To put food on his family’s plate

I ache for the child

With no place to call home, A frown on her face and Her head hanging low

I have hope for the child

Whose life has been rough, But everyday tells herself that She is enough

I have hope for the child

Who’s done it all alone, But knows that one day they will Make a path of their own

I have hope for the future

Shaped by the youth of today, And it’s up to them to start the journey Or let current problems lead them astray

I have hope Jade Meyer, Theodor Herzl High School, grade 8

Primary school

Second place Winner

Our Youth Today is Youth Day, that much is true

So listen to me and I’ll listen to you

As I tell you the story of this beautiful land

Where battles were fought and where we now stand

They fought in the rain without an umbrella

And were led by a man named Nelson Mandela

Apartheid was hard on everyone there

But he fought so our rights could always be fair

Now that you know all about our past

We must take action and take action fast

Start the marching! Strike up the band!

This is our future so let’s take a stand!

If we stand together

We’ll be stronger than ever

And no-one can take that away

Because after all it is OUR Youth Day Isabella Goosen, Clarendon Park Primary School, grade 6

Creative writing

The harsh light of my phone hits me with the harsher reality of what it means to be beautiful in today s society

I stare at the blonde-haired bombshell who I know spent the day at the beach

Her hair, sprayed with the salt of the sea, stays straight Her eyes -that hold the tantalizing tenacity of the ocean- protrude my soul and sheath my heart Her teeth glimmer against her soft lips, and a tan embraces her skin as if it were an old friend, evenly pigmenting her body one tone

I don t look like that

I will never look like that

My eyes prickle with the realization The frustration lodges itself firmly in my

Teens of this generation

Being a teenager in this generation is like walking on eggshells and nails

You don't know which one you're stepping on

If you don't talk to a lot of people your the weirdo or antisocial

If you talk to a lot of people you’re seen as popular and bubbly

If you don't fit in with the new trends you are boring

If you do you're the cool one

The fear of the unknown for some

The fear of knowing too much also

It's a war between our head and heart

If you're too emotional your seen as soft and sensitive

If you don't show emotions at all you're the cold one

The fear of people's judgment 24/7

If we tell someone close something serious

They either back stab you or keep it a secret

The trust issue levels are sky rocketing

The trust in friends is smaller than a bumble bee

You are either a lone wolf or you go with the pack Bukhobenkosi Nomatye, Union High school, grade 9

First place

South Africa is my home

My skin colour is the same as the sand

What sand and what colour

Does not matter to me

The African sun shines on me

It makes me shine brightly, And that is who I am

My hair is like the waves of the sea

Big waves or small waves, It does not matter to me

I am strong like the sea, And that is me

I am a mixture of a little of this, And a little of that, It makes me, me

And that is why I am proud to be me Meeka Pillay, Collegiate Junior School, grade 3

throat, choking any hope out of me I run my hand through my hair, but it doesn t make it all the way through the maze that holds a variety of twists after turns I skim my hand over the ridges of my thighs My fingers surf the stretch marks Moving higher, my pudgy stomach rumbles in a riot, it hasn t gotten used to the loneliness yet I open my camera just to see the splotches of missing melanin, the shine of acne and the scars of those whose life I tried to end prematurely My eyes do not light up my face, rather they blend in The dark, and dull dilated pupils would never be able to penetrate the hearts of humanity

I don t look like her

I will never look like her

But,

Taking into account the slight progression that society is making, maybe that s ok

I don t look like her I wasn t supposed to look like her I shouldn t have to force myself into a box that wasn t designed for me I shouldn t be working towards being the next person who will make teenagers envious and depressed for a lifestyle that isn t even real

I m not her

I will never be here

And that is more than ok

Riley

Meyer, Alexander Road Highschool, grade 12

High school

Artwork Winners

Primary school

Winner: Sibulele Mayedwa, Victoria Park High school (Masifunde Learner Development NPC), grade 10

First runner up: Cetywayo Aphiwe, Walmer High School (Masifunde Learner Development NPC), grade 10

Second runner up: Eva Froise, homeschooled, grade 10

First runner up: Alice Black, Clarendon Park Primary School, grade 6,

Second runner up: Kate Du Toit, Clarendon Park Primary School - Restore the beauty back into the world, grade 7

Winner: Victoria Burger,Clarendon Park Primary School, grade 5

#SAClimateChangeChamps:

(Romario Cloete, Esethu Msengi, Lathitha Magidela, Zintle Nosikeleza)

“As Solar-Glow, our project aims at helping our community to use less harmful ways to prepare food during load

Overall, this was a very enjoyable experience, I learned a lot about the actual impact of global warming and I look

Solar Glow receiving their

Conference

St Anna Private School (Northern Cape)

-

Lathitha, and her group, Eco-warEnlit Africa Conference

“We visited SARETEC where we learned that they too, or South Africa, also built an electric car that was named Joule – Lathitha Magidela

– Zintle Nosikeleza workshop through which learners will be trained on

Special Thanks to Lindiwe Johnson - Project Manager

European Union, implemented in partnership with the , and presented by GreenCape. Projected partners

Green Queens of St Anna Private school from Springbok, Northern Cape are crowned winners of the 2023 Cecelia Kok (FNF Africa), Premier Alan Winde, and Ariane Labat

School from Gqeberha, Eastern Cape take the stage for the awards

to present their project to the judging panel