It is well-known that young people have throughout history been instrumental in societal change. The 1976 uprisings remind us that we are a country whose youth have always been deeply invested in how the country is run and its people are treated. This year the youth, classified as 15 to 35 years old, formed a significant majority of the electorate - ages 20 to 29 making up to 77% of new registrations.
Being perhaps the most tumultuous and uncertain period of life it requires broader consideration than simply being vied for votes. From finishing high-school to entering university, childhood to childbearing, choosing subjects to committing to a career, it is arguably the most labour significant phase of modern life. And yet, with all that they have going on they still faced the queues to cast their vote. 48 Years later, after the 2024 elections, the question is not whether the youth is coming to the party, but rather who’s going to give up their seat?
With parliamentary seats being filled, NTEU calls on government for greater youth inclusion, as effective democracy suggests that the face of parliament should reflect that of the voters. As Mzansi faces unprecedented challenges it is high time we air out the musky rooms of Parliament and retire some of the old ways, and people. Mostly filled with hot gas, sleepy expressions and angry old men shouting into the void, we must consider closing the doors on our parliamentary retirement village. Research suggests that the inclusion of the youth in our economic, social and political spheres is crucial to a sustainable future. We must replace stale, moth-balled ideas with inspired vision and harness the ingenuity of the youth if we truly wish to experience the fresh breeze of prosperity and equality.
Modern leaders need to be more bold as they step toward the future and a clear disconnect with our country’s young people has led our leaders to merely defend the known and maintain the status quo. Instead we need leaders who will be proactive, front-footed and prepared to help the country embrace necessary change. Parliamentary committees focused on this multifaceted demographic would also be required to accurately determine what would be needed to ensure sustainable development in our country’s unique context. And with youth remaining the most vulnerable in the labour market, at an unemployment rate of a depressing 45%, they deserve a legitimate voice in the conversations aimed at trying to solve our unemployment crisis.
Issued By:
Jako Nel
NTEU Brand & Communications Manager
For media queries: 041 001 2109
Email: jako@nteu.org.za
NTEU is a politically non-aligned trade union organizing exclusively in the Higher Education sector and is aligned to FEDUSA, the largest politically non-aligned trade union federation in South Africa. For more information on the National Tertiary Education Union, browse www.nteu.org.za or find us on social media.