Youth are running out of role models to imitate

On Wednesday (16 June), our nation will be celebrating Youth Day, the anniversary of the Soweto uprising, paying tribute to the many school children who were killed during protests against the apartheid government’s language policy.

The event was to prove crucial in turning the tide against the oppressive regime of the times, with the backlash leading to many countries imposing sanctions on South Africa.

It also fuelled opposing political and social sentiment within the country, all of which – together with active resistance by freedom fighters – led to the democratic situation that exists today.

The youth of that day were fighting for freedom, fairness and fulfilment of human rights that had been denied.

In this quest, they walked in the footsteps and on the shoulders of mighty, honourable men and women who endured great personal sacrifice for the sake of the generations to come.

It is in the nature of the young to seek role models and to idolise, admire, imitate and hero worship those who appeal to them.

This can be both a good and a bad thing.

When the object of their admiration is venerated for the wrong reasons – such as drug lords who are envied for their flashy lifestyles – this is obviously a negative influence.

And when those who hold public office or who boast huge business empires are exposed for the theft of public funds – the rich robbing the poor – what does that message send to the young?

Must they aspire to get rich by any means? Are they to believe that the way to ‘succeed’ is to surround oneself with accomplices with whom to plunder state funds?

It is a sad indictment on the top echelons of society that those who should be good role models are instead appearing in criminal courts and state capture hearings.

The irony is that in these times the youth need good role models and leaders more than ever.

Since that dismal day in 1976, many things have changed in South Africa, including the face of the enemy that threatens our beloved youths.

Being young has many positives, among which are the energy, optimism and enthusiasm so typical of teens and young adults.

However, it also has its pitfalls, and our passionate youth are susceptible, easily influenced by what they see and hear.

But perhaps the worst is the pitiful example of their leaders, be it their behaviour in parliament or their appearances on state capture enquiries.

Boys and girls are the only materials we have to make strong men and women: show them the good way.