“The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow. I admire young people who are concerned with the affairs of their community and nation, perhaps because I also became involved in the struggle whilst I was still at school.” These were the words of Nelson Mandela. To me, this was a call for action by Madiba to all the youth to engage in civic duties to make SA a better place to live in. However, there are many socially undesirable instances that derail our youth from realising their potential because they are a resource that can help the country push boundaries towards prosperity. The triple challenge of poverty, inequality and unemployment are the impediments that hold the youth back. The moral degeneration of society has also rubbed off badly on the youth. The African axiom of ubuntu based on respecting the elders is being abandoned. Children are beating their parents and teachers. Crime, drug abuse, unplanned pregnancies, HIV/Aids — these are the social ills we are now dealing with...
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