EMPOWERING THE FUTURE: BREAKING BARRIERS AT THE 48TH YOUTH MONTH COMMEMORATION

By Cuma Pantshwa 

• The Department of Social Development hosted a dynamic two-day programme in Rustenburg, fostering youth empowerment through masterclasses, motivational speakers, and sports activities.
• Renowned figures like Zola Bonginkosi Dlamini and Doctor Khumalo urged young people to challenge societal norms and embrace their potential, emphasising perseverance and self-belief.
• The programme highlighted the importance of breaking stereotypes, promoting equality, and encouraging youth to tell their own stories and build their own paths.

At the 48th Youth Month Commemoration hosted by the Department of Social Development, robust dialogues took centre stage during a powerful panel discussion. Seated next to the legendary Doctor Khumalo, Zola Bonginkosi Dlamini called on young people to challenge societal norms that often hinder their potential. The two-day programme, currently underway, included masterclass sessions, motivational speakers, panel discussions, and sports activities aimed at inspiring the youth.

Dlamini emphasised the importance of breaking free from the constraints imposed by traditional societal expectations. “Societal norms can often act as invisible barriers, preventing our youth from realising their full potential,” said Dlamini. “We need to rise above these limitations and strive to achieve our goals, regardless of the obstacles in our way.”

Societal norms, such as traditional gender roles, economic inequality, and cultural expectations, often limit opportunities for young people. These unwritten rules can discourage young women from pursuing careers in male-dominated fields, perpetuate economic disparities, and pressure individuals to conform to family expectations instead of exploring their own interests.

“By challenging these norms, we can break stereotypes, promote equality, and bring fresh perspectives that drive progress,” Dlamini continued. “Our youth have the power to innovate, lead, and inspire others. It’s time we empower them to do so.”

The atmosphere was electric as the panellists and attendees alike shared their stories, struggles, and triumphs. Doctor Khumalo, who grew up in Soweto, relayed the story of witnessing the June 1976 uprising and the role that soccer played in changing the trajectory of his life. He emphasised the importance of perseverance, sharing his journey to fame as a young footballer and the power of self-belief and resilience in pursuing one’s passions. Reflecting on his experiences, he revealed how he nearly lost everything due to the influence of friends and the behaviours associated with fame that came with sudden stardom.

“You can make money, but you must not allow money to make you,” Khumalo passionately advised. “Soccer was my gift. The talent that you have is borrowed, and talent without discipline is useless.”

A resounding theme from the panellists was to make the youth understand that embracing failure is a stepping stone to success and to stay true to their values and purpose. Dudu Busani-Dube shared her passion for writing and her career in journalism, but didn’t omit the hardship and pain that came from self-publishing a series of books. “I own my work – all of it, and it was not easy but I did it.” Echoing the same sentiment, Obakeng Molekane urged the young people to work hard regardless of their circumstances.

As Zola Bonginkosi Dlamini said, “We need to tell our own stories and not be told who we are. There is no Noah’s Ark to save you, so let’s learn to stop wanting to get onto other people’s boats and build our own boats.”

One attendee from the crowd thanked the panellists for their wisdom and encouraged his peers to pay it forward by working together to fight societal ills and unleash their dreams beyond such impactful youth programmes.