Our youth leading in elders’ footsteps

AS WE join in celebrating our youth tomorrow, we have an opportunity to take a closer look at our history. In this country in particular our youth have historically led the way – painfully paved by our Struggle heroes.

June 16 commemorates the 1976 Soweto Uprising, which spread countrywide to profoundly change the socio-political landscape in South Africa. The day also became significant due to the police killing 12-year-old Hector Pieterson.

Hector’s body being carried by another student while his sister ran next to them became an iconic image, which was captured by photographer Sam Nzima and published all over the world.

The image turned the world’s attention to South Africa, putting the spotlight directly on the apartheid government’s cruel actions. It helped increase the pressure on the National Party regime to relinquish its stranglehold on blacks.

Fast-forward to the new millennium, where the youth have once again done their bit to shake the very core of government. We saw them bring down the statue of Cecil John Rhodes at UCT, the very symbol of colonialism, an event which spawned the birth of the #FeesMustFall movement. What happened next was, as they say, history. These are our children, born on South African soil, and raised by the hands that not too long ago brought an end to the tyranny that was apartheid.

We have reason to be proud of our young people, and their journey is only just beginning. The onus is on them to make the most of South Africa’s untapped potential.

It is of deep concern, however, that in recent months we have seen an increase in violent crime being committed against young children and teenagers. After all, it is our duty to protect and nurture them to become the leaders this country, and the world, so desperately needs.

“Sometimes, it falls upon a generation to be great. You can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom.” These were the salient words espoused by Nelson Mandela – a rallying call for each generation to chart its own path in trying to make a positive impact on society.

The youth of today, like those of 1976, are leading in the footsteps of their elders.