Empowering youth leadership for a new South Africa

South Africa desperately needs a transformation rooted in justice, equality, and prosperity. For years, we have seen the same cycle of failure: economic inequality, political stagnation, and the marginalization of our youth, who should be at the forefront of change. It is time for a new direction.

The only credible Government of National Unity (GNU) that can work is one led by young South Africans who understand the real struggles of their generation. Most of our youth — whether educated or not — are left behind, trapped in corners with limited opportunities and no clear path forward. The time has come for them to take the reins. The current political landscape in South Africa is divided and fragmented. Their outdated and disconnected policies make political parties fail the country, particularly the youth. While these parties argue over who should hold power, young South Africans are sitting on the sidelines, excluded from the system they are expected to inherit.

Too many young people are stuck in a cycle of unemployment, underemployment, and lack of opportunities. At the same time, political leaders squabble over who gets to lead a nation that doesn’t seem to care about them. Despite the countless policies that claim to address youth unemployment, the reality on the ground is grim. Educated youth struggle to find meaningful work, and those without formal qualifications face even greater challenges. This is not just a passing phase; it is a deep and systemic problem that reflects a country that has failed to create an economy that includes its most valuable asset — its young people. The question now is simple: who will take responsibility for changing this? The answer is clear.

The only credible Government of National Unity is one built not on the fragmented political ideologies of parties that fail to resonate with the people but on the unity of the youth. The youth of South Africa are the majority, and yet, they are the least represented in the decision-making processes that shape the future of this country. The time has come for them to step forward and lead. Youth have always been the heartbeat of social change in South Africa. From the anti-apartheid struggle to the current waves of social movements, young people have been the driving force behind progress. Yet, despite their passion, drive, and creativity, they remain excluded from the very structures that govern their lives. The same leaders who should be advocating for them seem to have forgotten that they are the country's future. It is time for young people to reclaim their power and demand a seat at the table.

A true Government of National Unity must recognise that the youth are not the problem but the solution. The policies proposed to address youth issues in South Africa are not enough. The political elite continues to recycle the same old promises with little to no actual change. These policies are not grounded in the lived experiences of young people and do not address the root causes of the challenges they face today. The only way forward is for young people to lead the charge for change.

This Government of National Unity must reflect young South Africans' diverse and dynamic realities. It should not just be about a coalition of political parties but a coalition of young voices coming together to create a vision for the future. A vision that includes equitable access to quality education, opportunities for employment, and a fairer, more just economy. This vision must ensure that young South Africans are not left behind, as they have been for far too long. For too long, the youth have been told to wait their turn and respect the decisions made by those in power. But we have learned from history that waiting is a luxury we can no longer afford.

The youth have been sidelined in the economic and political processes, and as a result, the country has stagnated. The only way forward is for young people to take control of their future, not as passive recipients of promises but as active participants in rebuilding this nation.In this new South Africa, the youth will no longer wait in the corners of society. They will lead in shaping policies that address their needs and reflect their vision for a more just society.

A Government of National Unity led by young South Africans would not be a government of stagnation but a dynamic change. This is the only way to address the high levels of youth unemployment, the lack of affordable housing, the rising costs of living, and the growing inequalities that continue to plague the nation. Young South Africans understand the challenges they face, but they also have the solutions. They know that the key to a thriving economy is not just creating jobs but creating jobs that provide dignity, sustainability, and growth.

They understand that a quality education system is not just about qualifications but also about developing skills that meet the demands of the modern economy. They recognize that the nation's future lies not in the hands of the elite but in the hands of the majority — the youth. This vision for South Africa cannot come from the same old political parties that have failed to address the needs of the people. It must come from the youth, who are not bound by the failures of the past. We will see true progress only when young South Africans unite, united in their commitment to creating a better future. The time for change is now.

A Government of National Unity led by the youth of South Africa is not just a dream; it is the only way forward. The future of South Africa depends on the youth. The country will continue to flounder if they are excluded from the process. But if they are given the space to lead, create, and innovate, South Africa can become the prosperous, equal, and just society we all deserve. The youth have the power. It is time for the rest of us to support them in taking the lead.

* Mayalo is an independent writer, analyst, and commentator

**The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.