Latest news with #SowetoUprising
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
The political struggles and aspirations of disabled youth in South Africa
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) At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The South African
Why Sarafina is still a relevant story for the youth of today
Home » Why Sarafina is still a relevant story for the youth of today Noxolo Dlamini, pictured, will reprise her role as Sarafina in Mpho Molepo's interpretation of this iconic stage production. Image: supplied The seminal stage production Sarafina is set to return this Youth Month. Helmed by the creative vision of Mpho Molepo, this production is still near and dear to the hearts of South Africans. This lauded musical tells the story of the Soweto Uprising during the old regime. It follows Sarafina, a young girl from Soweto who covets freedom. Drawing on the wisdom of a teacher of hers, she urges her classmates to oppose the oppressive system they are being subjected to, which, among other things, is forcing them to be taught in Afrikaans. The much-celebrated Mbongeni Ngema first directed and choreographed the original stage production in 1986. This premiered at the Market Theatre in Johannesburg in June 1987. The vaunted film adaptation was rendered by Darrell James Roodt. He directed the 1992 film adaptation, which starred legends like Leleti Khumalo, Whoopi Goldberg, and Miriam Makeba. Fast forward to 2025, and this production is back, but this time with the talented Molepo at the controls. 'It's humbling. Sarafina isn't just a musical, it's a national treasure. It captures a pivotal time in our history through music, movement, and spirit. To be entrusted with that legacy, especially on a stage as iconic as Joburg Theatre, is a privilege I don't take lightly. It's about balancing reverence for what came before while speaking to the now,' he said. COMPILING A CAST TO CARRY THIS WEIGHTY STORY Molepo explained how casting this production was about finding voices that carried both strength and vulnerability. 'I was looking for performers who could live truthfully in their characters, not just act or sing well, but who understood the soul of the story. Each role demanded emotional depth, raw energy, and a commitment to telling the truth of our past with integrity.' Reprising the lead role of Sarafina will be Noxolo Dlamini, whom Molepo couldn't be happier with. 'Noxolo brings fire to the stage and embodies Sarafina with such authenticity and command. She understands the complexity of the character: the hope, the defiance, the youthful spirit. She carries the legacy of Sarafina with grace but also injects a freshness that resonates with today's audiences. Her performance is both homage and evolution,' he fawned. The story is a timeless offering, but one we have probably encountered more than once. With South Africa's youth still feeling the pressures of life in this nation, how does a director go about bringing this story into the modern era, while ensuring the essence of the story is not compromised? 'I think as a director, you're always reflecting what could be tighter, more resonant, more daring. If I had unlimited resources, I'd expand the immersive elements to bring audiences even closer to the world of the students, perhaps even break the fourth wall more often. But within our means, I'm proud of the emotional immediacy we've achieved.' Molepo, a native of Orlando Soweto, said that striking a balance between the struggles of the youth back then and now is what he placed at the core of the work. 'We've incorporated contemporary staging, nuanced character dynamics, and visuals that resonate with today's struggles, youth unemployment, activism, and identity. 'The soul of Sarafina is timeless: the fight for justice, the power of youth, the resilience of spirit. We've just translated that spirit into a 2025 context without losing its historical pulse.' With a story as adored as much as Sarafina , a changing of the guard or passing of the torch is always necessary. With that in mind, Molepo made sure to seek an audience with Mbongeni Ngema before he passed away in December of 2023. 'I've been fortunate to receive support and encouragement from voices who were part of the original magic. Mbongeni Ngema's blessing means everything, it affirms that we're on the right path, honouring the heart of Sarafina while also making it speak to now. Those conversations have grounded the work in legacy.' This story is a rollercoaster of emotions. Soaring crescendos, existential conundrums and of course, subject matter that is still rooted in an abundance of trauma. It is a concoction of emotions, but Molepo hopes you will find the offering uplifting. 'I hope audiences leave reminded of the strength and courage that lives in our collective memory—and that they feel inspired to keep the flame of change alive. Sarafina isn't just history—it's a mirror. As for its future, I see it continuing to evolve across languages, across borders, across mediums. It's a story that still has much to teach the world.' Sarafina is currently showing at The Joburg Theatre until June 15. Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
31-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Generation Alpha: Inheriting property or inequality?
Will Generation Alpha be able to break into the formal property market or will their property future be the informal one? Image: Henk Kruger/Independent Newspapers June marks the beginning of Youth Month in South Africa and also marks almost 50 years since the Soweto Uprising of 1976. It honours the role of youth in the fight against apartheid and it also serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by young people today and their potential for future contribution. As the youngest cohort of youth in our country – Generation Alpha (born between 2010 and 2024) – come of age, almost half a century post-1976, experts say South Africa's property sector should be bracing for a generational shift not seen before considering tech fluency, social awareness and shifting values. However, given the South African context, how much better off will this generation be than those of 1976, many of whom could be Gen Alpha's grandparents? And, in a nation still confronting its structural inequalities, how will it play out when this generation – the oldest of whom is now 15 – make it to adulthood and want to enter the property market? Nomfundo Molemohi, uMaStandi portfolio manager: Eastern and Western Cape, painting a bleak yet realistic picture: 'With so many young people unemployed, poverty rising and the cost of housing out of reach, it's hard to see how this generation, especially our black children, will become homeowners. 'They dream of owning land and building a future, but the road is heavy with obstacles. Even those who are lucky to have family homes often can't afford the legal costs to transfer it into their names or don't know how to take ownership. 'This Generation Alpha is carrying the weight of South Africa's past and present struggles and for some, the hope of a better life may lie beyond our borders.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading 1976 to today Post-apartheid South Africa has seen an increase in property ownership for black South Africans, a significant shift from the discriminatory practices of the past where black people had severely restricted property rights. The government has also implemented land reform initiatives to address the historical injustices of land dispossession under apartheid. Despite some progress however, the legacy of apartheid continues to shape property ownership patterns. Inequality persists, and many black South Africans still face challenges in accessing land and property ownership. Affordability issues 'It will certainly be a generation that feels the affect of declining housing affordability,' says property economist, Associate Professor Francois Viruly of UCT, speaking to Independent Media property journalist Given Majola. Even as interest rates ease slightly, property prices remain out of reach for many, especially in urban centres where the cost of living is rising and wages are stagnant. Unemployment among youth aged 15 to 34 (Gen Z and a portion of Millennials) remains high – 46.1% in Q1 2025, according to Stats SA – squeezing the dream of homeownership further out of reach. This means that nearly half of South Africa's young people are unemployed. 'We should be concerned about high youth unemployment. It would also obviously dampen the possibilities of investment in property,' says Viruly. Yet, he believes Gen Alpha may grow up more aware of the importance of property – particularly in communities where ownership has now become possible. 'Increasingly the opportunities associated with property ownership would be discussed around the dinner table – especially in the townships. This is also a generation that will benefit from property inheritance through the legal transfer of properties.' Government and NGOs have been hard at work to try sort out the title-deed issues plaguing many township households who do not have valid title deeds in effect killing the hopes of using the property as an asset. It remains one of the bigger barriers to asset wealth in the country. Inherited wealth According to new research by Rebecca Simson and Mina Mahmoudzadeh (2024), the racial wealth divide in South Africa remains stark, despite some progress. Using probate records, the researchers found that 45% of white South African adults own inheritable wealth of at least R250 000. Among black adults, that figure drops to just 3%. Their findings also show that black South Africans who do leave estates tend to be concentrated in former townships and homelands – suggesting that this emerging black middle class owns property acquired only after apartheid, with limited access to historically white-owned assets or areas of high capital appreciation. The study states that while black South Africans are increasingly formal property owners, structural inequality, localised appreciation and contested inheritance processes are slowing intergenerational wealth accumulation. Success in Gen A era For Gen Alpha, traditional success markers such as stable jobs, financial security, homeownership are being redefined. Flexibility, community and digital integration now sit alongside asset ownership. Vusi Vokwana, the founder of Kasi Catalyst, which helps drive and facilitate outside big investment in the townships, believes Gen A 'will reshape SA's property landscape, being the offspring of the 'quiet quitters', the rockstars who coined the phrase, 'daily work is giving slavery''. 'What they will show us is patience doesn't solve systemic discrimination and generational exclusion, our norms don't apply to them. If they're anything like Gen Z, they will show us flames while affecting real change.' The future of housing According to Christian Hamann, a researcher at the Gauteng City-Region Observatory, the only way to bridge historical divides in property access is through localised integration. In an article in The Conversation he says: 'Opportunities for racial and socio-economic integration can only be created on a very local level if a diversity of housing options is provided in neighbourhoods.' In practice, this means designing new developments that accommodate a range of income levels – pairing upmarket townhouses with more affordable apartments and social housing. 'There should be upmarket townhouses alongside more affordable flats and social housing developments,' Hamann told The Conversation. Split market, split future The divide is growing clearer: while some Gen Alphas may inherit homes and capital, many others will be priced out or forced to rent long-term. Experts say that wealthier Gen Alphas of all races will leverage family wealth to buy homes in secure, eco-conscious estates while lower- and middle-income Gen Alphas will fuel a growing rental sector and build-to-rent developments, unable to cross the ownership threshold.
IOL News
30-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Standard Bank and GIBS launch Youth Forward programme to combat youth unemployment
This initiative is set to empower 50 black youth-owned businesses with essential tools and support to thrive in the current challenging economic landscape. Image: Standard Bank/Facebook As the country gears up to commemorate Youth Month this June, Standard Bank Business and Commercial Banking, in collaboration with the GIBS Entrepreneurship Development Academy (EDA), is taking action against the rising tide of youth unemployment by launching the 2025 Youth Forward Programme. This initiative is set to empower 50 black youth-owned businesses with essential tools and support to thrive in the current challenging economic landscape. The urgency of this initiative resonates deeply with the latest figures from Statistics South Africa, revealing that youth unemployment for individuals aged 15-34 has surged to a staggering 46.1% in Q1 2025, a notable increase from 44.6% in the previous quarter. Alarmingly, the unemployment rate for youth aged 15-24 stands at 62.4%, emphasising the pressing need for inclusive programmes that break down barriers to economic opportunities for young South Africans. During this significant month, which marks the 1976 Soweto Uprising — a pivotal moment in the fight for equality in education — the focus shifts towards the vital investment in youth development. 'Youth Month is not only a time to reflect on the sacrifices of our young people but also to invest in their future,' said Naledzani Mosomane, Head of Enterprise Development at Standard Bank South Africa. 'Through the Youth Forward Programme, we aim to transform the entrepreneurial landscape for black youth, equipping them with the skills, networks, and resources to build sustainable businesses.' This sentiment is echoed by Ms. Guinivere Pedro, Senior Programme Manager for the GIBS EDA, who expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration. 'We are excited to continue working with Standard Bank to unlock the potential of young entrepreneurs,' she stated. 'This programme equips participants with practical tools and strategic thinking to sustain and grow their businesses.' The Youth Forward Programme is specifically tailored for entrepreneurs aged between 18 and 35, running businesses with at least 51% black ownership and a minimum annual revenue of R100,000. To qualify, applicants must be South African citizens with registered businesses that have been operational for at least 12 months. The programme combines online and in-person learning experiences, with a preference for participants based in Gauteng and neighbouring provinces due to the location of physical sessions in Johannesburg. Successful participants will receive structured business training, mentorship, and access to a valuable network of peers and industry leaders. This initiative is part of Standard Bank BCB's broader commitment to fostering inclusive entrepreneurship through its Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) programmes. These efforts are dedicated to empowering township entrepreneurs to launch, manage, and grow small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs), thus making a substantial contribution to South Africa's economic development. If you are a young entrepreneur ready to take your business to the next level, this programme presents an exciting opportunity. Applications are open and will close on 3 June 2025. Interested applicants can complete the application process here. BUSINESS REPORT
IOL News
20-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Inclusive Education in South Africa - A Forgotten Promise?
It has been 24 years since the South African government introduced Education White Paper 6 (2001), a policy intended to transform the education system and ensure that learners with disabilities could access mainstream schooling. The plan set a 20-year deadline, envisioning a fully inclusive system by 2021. That deadline has passed - without acknowledgement, without explanation, and without action. As we approach Youth Day, it's time to reflect on the reality that, despite legislative commitments, thousands of children with disabilities remain excluded from education. 49 years after the Soweto Uprising, marginalisation still exists - not through legislation, but through inaction. A 2015 Human Rights Watch report estimated that 600,000 children with disabilities were out of school. Since then, the numbers have remained largely unchanged. In 2021, Stats SA reported that 44% of out-of-school children had been excluded due to disability or perceived poor academic performance. If every school in South Africa had made provision for even a handful of these children, the impact would have been profound. Instead, in many communities, learners with special educational needs remain invisible, overlooked, and denied the fundamental right to education. South Africa's legal framework clearly supports inclusive education. The South African Schools Act (1996), Education White Paper 6 (2001), and the White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities all reinforce the commitment to ensuring that learners with disabilities have equal opportunities. The National Development Plan and the Five-Year Strategic Plan (2015) further outline steps to make inclusive education a reality. Yet policy alone is not enough. Without clear implementation plans, accountability, or funding, these frameworks exist only on paper. The government has failed to address why the commitments made in White Paper 6 have not materialised. The silence is telling - it speaks to a reality where inclusive education is simply not prioritised. Internationally, inclusive education has been driven by advocacy and activism. It is parents, educators, and communities that have demanded change. In South Africa, where is that demand? Inclusive education cannot be an abstract concept or a policy reserved for committee discussions. It must be an active movement to ensure that every child, regardless of ability, has access to learning. Schools must be willing to open their doors, teachers must be equipped with the skills to support diverse learners, and communities must actively push for change. The right to education is the foundation of future economic and social inclusion - without it, meaningful participation in society is impossible. The Employment Equity Amendment Act (2022) has introduced workplace disability quotas, a significant step towards greater inclusivity in the workforce. However, these quotas are meaningless if learners with disabilities are excluded from the education system to begin with. The disconnect between education policy and employment policy underscores the broader issue - there is no long-term vision for inclusion in South Africa. The systemic barriers in schooling are setting up an entire generation for exclusion beyond the classroom. There are concerns that recent education policy shifts are being driven by cost-cutting rather than inclusion. The table describing the district support teams suggests: one occupational therapist, one educational psychologist and one social worker per 40,000 learners; one senior counsellor and one learning support specialist per district. In terms of other scholastic activities like sport and arts, seven specialists will attend 100 schools. One teacher's assistant or class aide will be provided for every 50 learners who may have personalised needs. The approach frames disabled learners as numbers to be managed, rather than individuals with the right to quality education. Without meaningful support structures, adequate funding, and teacher training, inclusive education will remain a distant goal rather than a reality. The question remains - what has been done to ensure that inclusive education is no longer just a policy but a lived reality? White Paper 6 was meant to change the education landscape, but without accountability, it has failed. The deadline has passed, but the work remains undone. Nelson Mandela once said, "It always seems impossible until it is done." Inclusive education is possible, but it will require more than words. It will take action, advocacy, and the collective will to demand that no child is left behind.
