Youth debate serious issues
The young people of Gugulethu have mixed feelings about the state of affairs and the current government.
At the Youth Day celebrations held at ID Mkhize High School on June 16, some said the sacrifices of the students of 1976 have influenced them to face today’s challenges while some felt they have gained nothing.
Pupils from all the high schools in the area were given three topics to debate on: What is June 16; Covid-19 grievances; and gender-based violence.
The debates were tense and topics thoroughly scrutinised.
Debating June 16, its advantages and disadvantages and about the current political situation, without deviating too much off the topic, the youth blamed the government for the lawlessness that the country finds itself in.
Lack of jobs and high prices of food and petrol were just some of the areas they blamed the government for in the current situation.
“Today we do not have jobs. Graduates are sitting at home. There is lawlessness. Criminals are getting off and yet we say the government is doing good,” said one pupil from Fezeka High School.
Another said the overflowing drains, rape and other ills perpetrated against women and children are as a result of poor governing.
But some felt the government is doing all it can to reverse the past. However, they all agreed that as young people they have a responsibility to get an education, to learn from the past and push this country forward.
They all urged each other to take education seriously and be good citizens of the country.
“Today we have better rights than before. We have better education. Our responsibility as children is to get education and use it. It is our responsibility to learn,” said another one. They agreed that school will improve their lives.
The day was organised by the Kwanele Youth Development and Entertainment but sponsored by a network company, SwitchMobile.
The organisers were happy that the matric class of 2022 left everything to come and debate about things that are concerning their lives.
Matshidiso Ndlovu, manager at the mobile company, said the debates were good on all sides.
“They represented their school well and themselves for that matter. That shows the talent that we have in the townships is growing,” said Ms Ndlovu.
The day ended with young people dancing and some deejaying, showing the other side of their talents.
Meanwhile, the youth of Mfuleni spent the day doing poetry, dance, singing and live music. The day organised by Igwiba Foundation saw children mostly enjoying themselves even though there were a couple of speeches.
