Let new generation of youth take over
TOMORROW is the 39th anniversary of June 16, our National Youth Day. We at The Herald have decided that instead of rehashing the history of the past three decades as we do every year, it is time to take advantage of this public holiday to focus on the youth of today.
While we acknowledge the tremendous contribution to our country’s liberation made by the youth of 1976, who took a stand against having Afrikaans imposed on them as a language of instruction, there are new challenges and new triumphs which the 21st century youth have to face.
It is about time we make their concerns and their lives take centre stage.
According to last year’s World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Risk Report, South Africa has the thirdhighest youth unemployment level in the world, only surpassed by Greece and Spain.
Engaging and finding gainful job opportunities for young people is arguably one of the biggest challenges our city and country faces.
The WEF report warns that the young generation of digital natives is full of ambition to improve the world, but feels disconnected from traditional politics.
“Their ambition needs to be harnessed if systemic risks are to be addressed," the report warns.
We at The Herald take cognisance of these warnings and have decided to take an unprecedented plunge into the unknown by handing over the decision making behind the headlines, stories and pictures in tomorrow’s newspaper to young students from NMMU.
If you buy tomorrow’s Herald you will get an incredible insight into the minds of today’s youth, as this issue will be edited by students from NMMU’s journalism department and will feature content from Nelson Mandela Bay primary and high school pupils and university students.
Our entire Herald newsroom, from the journalists and photographers to the editors, will be on hand to help mentor, provide guidance and take instructions from the youth.
Expect the unexpected and take a glimpse into our future when you see what the bright, talented and energetic young team produce.