The youth of South Africa are so misinterpreted in our society. So many people make assumptions and in the same breath do not do sufficient research on the issues they face and their opinions.
A talk given, at the Grahamstown National Arts Festival by Gerard Boyce; a PhD research student at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal has done a study on South African Identity, governance within social institutions and general satisfaction with democracy from the views of the youth. ‘Youth’ being the expanded definition ranging between the ages of 14-35.
According to the statistics Boyce had, the idea of the youth being apathetic does not correlate with the results of the study done on the youth. These statistics are however based on race and not on age. With that been said, certain questions asked indicated a similarity in answers from white and black people; however, the ratio was totally different when questioned about democracy.
It is good to be knowledgeable however it must be delivered correctly and be substantial. If you are addressing people, engage with them and their thoughts. The research was not personalised with the youth and therefore so was the actual presentation.
The actions and attitudes of the youth need to be understood properly before they are assumed and I personally feel that it was not conducted accordingly. The youth of South Africa have too much to offer and look forward to, to be portrayed in this image.
By Duschanka Hitzeroth
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