Teen with strong opinions
DHIYA Pillay-Matai may be only 17, but when it comes to voicing her opinion on a public platform she is way ahead of most teens.
The matric pupil wrote a commentary for POST last week on the chaotic State of the Nation Address and, after it was uploaded on Facebook, it went viral, reaching 227 666 people and was shared more than 2 000 times. It also garnered more than 2 200 “likes” and about 450 comments, mostly positive.
In the article, Dhiya spoke of the problems facing the country, while saying that President Jacob Zuma’s “standard insult” when responding to challenges in Parliament was his trademark “hehehe”.
“Watching the State of the Nation Address last week made my heart ache,” she wrote. “I thought of those who died for this country.
“Those who were tortured and who gave up their families and their freedom.
“For the ones who dedicated their lives to the nation and her people.
“The once raised fists, that are now wrinkled and shaking, can do nothing to save the country they gave everything for.”
“The decline of the South African political system was an insult to those who sacrificed everything for their country and those who still believed in the South African dream of an equal and progressive country, she wrote.
Her comments drew acclaim, although one Facebook user said she should “go back to India”.
Wrote Aysha Haniff: “I’m in awe of you and your ability to write. You summed everything up so well.”
Rajen Ponnusamy: “As a youth of our beloved country, you have your facts in the right place... we stand by you 150 percent,” while another user called for her to become president.
The Rhodean School pupil said she was “surprised” and equally pleased that people enjoyed her writing.
“People will realise that my generation is not as useless as they portray millennials out to be.” And she doesn’t conform by any means.
Dhiya plans on doing a BA degree majoring in either history, politics or sociology.
But she does she see herself following in her mother, Nirvana’s, footsteps.
“I see myself in development work in either education, gender or health,” she said. “My mother currently works in public health.”
Asked about a possible career in politics or law – she is the granddaughter of retired Judge Thumba Pillay – she said: “I think it’s very early to decide on a career. I think I’ll decide later on.”
She attributes her worldly views to her family.
“My family has always encouraged me to be vocal and make my opinions known and values one’s thoughts.
“In addition my family has a strong sense of social justice and it’s hard not to be a part of that.”
How did she feel about the comments her column attracted?
“It’s not about leadership but more about me expressing myself. But I was happy.
“I was quite offended by the negative comments telling me to go back to India.”
She also denounced those users who called the government uneducated and ignorant.
Dhiya said she enjoyed writing for POST and the Daily Vox.
Having achieved her full academic colours, Dhiya enjoys reading just about anything and everything.
“I have a wide variety of literature ranging from classical books to plays and African novels. I pretty much will read anything of interest.”
Her dad Nitesh, 42, is general manager at NuMetro. Her sister Arya, is 13.