The political struggles and aspirations of disabled youth in South Africa

The Citizen

2 days ago

SEDIBENG.- June, despite its winterisation in South Africa, remains a month of reflection and action, dedicated to the youth who have historically shaped the nation's political and social landscape.
The definition of youth remains contested both globally and locally. While the United Nations generally defines youth as individuals between the ages of 15 and 24, South Africa's National Youth Policy broadly defines youth as persons between the ages of 14 and 35. These differences often stem from varying socio-economic contexts and developmental priorities.
The UN's definition is often linked to global demographic trends and the transition from adolescence to early adulthood, while South Africa's broader age range acknowledges the extended period many young people face in terms of education, employment, and economic independence, often due to historical disadvantages.
These differences also highlight the complex intersection of developmental, political, and cultural factors influencing the concept of youth in South Africa. Looking back, the youth of 1976 in South Africa, facing oppressive apartheid policies, fought for the right to express themselves freely, particularly through language and education. The Soweto Uprising, driven by student protests against the enforcement of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction, epitomized their quest for liberation and cultural affirmation.
These courageous youths defied systemic barriers, risking their lives for the fundamental right to learn and speak in their own languages.
The protest escalated into a nationwide movement for freedom.
Many young people were killed, and some were maimed, permanently disabled by the state's violence. This group of politically conscious survivors laid the groundwork for the South African disability rights movement of 1984. Far from passive victims, these youth transformed their personal trauma into political action. They understood that disability was not just a medical condition but a consequence of structural violence and systemic exclusion.
Their activism reflected a growing awareness that the fight for liberation could not ignore those disabled by the very system it sought to overthrow. These youth redefined disability as both a political and social issue, demanding recognition not only of physical access but also of voice, representation, and dignity.
Within the disabled youth, however, there exists a significant divide, not just between those who attend special schools versus mainstream schools, but also in perceptions of identity and community. Special schools often promote a sense of community rooted in shared experiences of disability, whereas mainstream schools can foster integration but also feelings of marginalization. This concealed disunity undermines the collective strength needed for advocacy, potentially leading disabled youth to realize, in adulthood, that being labeled 'disabled' is more than a health condition, it is an identity rooted in social barriers and societal perceptions. Recognizing this, the fight for a barrier-free society must encompass both educational and societal reforms that unite all disabled youth under common goals.
The disabled youth of today must seize both educational and vocational opportunities to empower themselves and shape their future. Examples of educational opportunities include pursuing higher education in various fields such as law, science, arts, or technology, often with the support of disability units in universities and colleges. Vocational opportunities encompass skills training in areas like IT, graphic design, entrepreneurship, trades, and various forms of self-employment.
Furthermore, there is an urgent need to expand the 'disability intelligentsia', a body of knowledge and thought leadership driven by disabled individuals themselves. This means fostering critical thinking and research among disabled youth, enabling them to contribute to the development of new models of disability. While the medical model views disability as an individual deficit to be 'fixed,' and the social model frames disability as a result of societal barriers, there is a clear need for a synthesis. This hybrid model would acknowledge the diverse lived experiences of disabled individuals, recognizing both the biological realities of impairment and the profound impact of societal structures.
In conclusion, youth remains a dynamic, flexible stage of life, capable of leaving lasting legacies for future generations. The resilience, activism, and innovation of disabled youth will significantly shape South Africa's journey toward an inclusive society. Their collective efforts can dismantle barriers, both physical and societal, and redefine what it means to have a disability in a free and equitable environment. As history has shown, when empowered, youth can be the catalysts for profound social transformation, an inheritance that continues to inspire generations to come.
(Lucky Tumahole is a Disability Advocate, this is his opinion)
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