30 years of Democracy, is government creating enough opportunities for the youth to express themselves?

Opinion article by Tshepo Motsepe, a vocal young sterling man hailing from the dusty streets of Zastron, Matlakeng.

Photo: Tshepo Motsepe

It's 30 years of Democracy!! It sure feels like it's been 10 years when you look at the lack of opportunities and development amongst young people.

Since the dawn of democracy there hasn't been any drastic changes or development in Zastron, no rather, everything that we have inherited from the previous apartheid government and a few of those we temporarily build have deteriorated or a the brick of collapsing.

Young people in this country are not given enough opportunities to express their skills and talents, our government doesn't seem to have a plan on how to absorb and utilize them.

We have a high unemployment rate with many graduates.

30 year's into this democracy and we are still yet to see more young people in political positions of power and even at our cabinet, young people are not considered. They say we are the future leaders of tomorrow but we are not given an opportunity to start learning the roles of being leaders, instead we are sidelined. Young people in this country are voiceless, we are unheard and that should change.

We demand to be taken serious and given enough an opportunity to prove ourselves. Nothing shows that we are 30 years into democracy!!

To the Youth Of Zastron

It's hard being from a small town with limited opportunities, without sports or any activities making it popular of late.

This town used to be among the top list with every sports and activity there was, I'd say this is were exceptional people are born.

Those that used to dedicate their time in sports and the well being of the community are no longer there, there's a vacuum of role models and leadership in our town.

When there's a vacuum of role models in a society, that space it's filled by activities and behaviour that is disruptive.

The rise in crime and drug abuse emanate from that.

In Zastron people that used to set motivating and developing trends are no more.

Those that get an opportunity to go obtain their degree once they get a job, one buys a car and leads in drinking expensive beverages at Boiketlong (local tavern). Without depriving anyone their freedom, but we need to do more for the next generation to inherit from us.

We need more sportsmen and women, like we used to have when growing up.

Those that came before us gave us plenty of options to chose from, we saw many people that failed in school thrive in sports and reach greater heights.

We need to do the same for the next generation to combat some social issues affecting our town.

I believe that we need to start moving differently by doing things that are deemed unpopular to restore the stature of our town.

Otherwise we have people with potential, we need opportunities at our disposal to prosper.

To the young one's seeking to change their situation for the better, despite being in such dire conditions.

Remember, that desire is the starting point of all achievement.

Faith is the head chemist of the mind. When faith is blended with the vibration of thought, the subconscious mind translates it into it's spiritual equivalent, and transmits it to infinite intelligence, as in the case of prayer.

Surround yourself with positive people and make use of the opportunities at your disposal.

If we can unite we can overcome very challenges faced by our community, it's possible only if we act and rally as a group.

"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark, the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light".