THE YOUTH OF TODAY

Youth day is a very special day that brings back memories and a history that shapes our country. We should be proud of what our parents fought for. However, I question what’s there to fight for today. It was 36 years ago when enthusiastic and eager young people demonstrated their rejections to the new policy of apartheid. 

Still, I question what’s there to fight for today? It seems as if our youth have relaxed, and have rather settled for the growing culture of entitlement – being dependent on the government for jobs, subsidies and other incentives. This has resulted in the nation becoming consumers rather than producers.

We preach social inequalities, the high rate of HIV and crime, but instead of coming up with solutions for this “young nation” – we should realize that the mindset and willpower of the youth today tend to exacerbate the problem. Let us all refuse and reject to sit back, but rather stand up and have the zeal to make something of our lives .We cannot wait for the government to provide solutions to all our challenges, the onus is on us to help one another through the spirit of Ubuntu which encourages sharing and unity.

By: Tsholofelo Mosala

WE COMMEMORATE YOUTH DAY - 16 JUNE 1976

"A new breed of visionary leaders will enforce the change
So in this way we'll be leading
A breath of fresh air is welcome, 
Claustrophobic is the atmosphere that surrounds us
Breaking news in the media is all we see
Only negativity about our people living carefree
Hopefully, our democracy has paved the way so we achieve:
Emancipation mentally and economically - that's what we need"


Extract taken from a theme song written by Gift Mposula in view of honouring the youth of June 16 1976.

FREEDOM GONE WRONG

As a democratic country we have one of the most democratic constitutions in the world, and I believe that we as a new South Africa, we have come to misinterpret the rights that we have. Responding to the recent Zuma Painting if my memory serves me well, all citizens have a right to freedom of expression whether it be through art, music, poetry or any other possible form. These rights are recognized as important elements of our democracy.

But we have become a community that has forgotten that there is a difference between practicing your rights to freely expressing yourself- and abusing those rights. When one freely expresses himself/herself it should not be at the expense of another person’s dignity, morals, values and humanity. In expressing yourself be sure that you don’t humiliate or offend any person. With rights come responsibilities and it’s your duty to ensure that whatever you do, you don’t victimize or undermine any other person’s right.

Written by Tshegofatso Mosala

IGNORED, NEGLECTED AND FORGOTTEN

Living in a democratic country for almost two decades there is a feeling that a lot has been done but more still needs to be done. When we became liberated it was clear everyone will be granted democratic value, fundamental human rights and social justice. But living in this democracy I’m disappointed that there are more problems such as the high rate of unemployment, economic inequities among societies, services not delivered, poverty, crime and lack of opportunities. And all these social ills affect ‘us’ young people, the majority of which are unable to be employed because they lack experience, and can’t further their education because there isn’t enough funding for higher education studies. Others have small businesses but without assistance, and therefore they can’t prosper.

What is this saying to us as a people? Is this the democracy that our father’s mothers, aunts fought for? To live in a democracy that doesn’t even recognize its own young citizens? I feel like although we are freed, young people in this country are still exiled, there are no opportunities, no one seems to be listening to us, no clarity on youth subsidy. No one cares!

Written By: Tshegofatso Mosala

Please note that all opinions expressed by the author in this article are her own.

BLACKS ARE NO FOOLS

As a young person I’m so fascinated by music and admire artists who have grown and taken this craft as a platform to voice their opinions so as to educate and entertain people. But I grew very concerned and somewhat disappointed with Slikour’s music video and the lyrics in his song entitled “Blacks are Fools.” Although there is a powerful message in the song, the title made me upset and angry. I think artists are creative and will do anything to draw media attention - that’s what I think lead this youngster to choose such a title. In his TV interviews he refused to apologise for suggesting that blacks are fools, and claimed that he is misinterpreted and misunderstood.


To even suggest that blacks are fools is foolish looking at the political and social histories of the African people. We have come a long way. Firstly from being enslaved for 400 years by the British and American powers, being colonized in our own countries by Europeans, being deprived of rights, abused and discriminated and underestimated by the apartheid government, and he has the audacity to say we are nothing , liabilities and stupid?! .

It is profound and derogatory to take such a controversial stance, considering the recent election of the first ever black president in the USA. The legacies of stalwarts - such as Steve Biko, Solomon Mahlangu, Chris Hani, Albert Luthuli, and Winnie Mandela who fought so hard for social justice, fundamental human rights and democratic value in South Africa – are put to shame by such irresponsible comments.

He (Slikour) is where he is today because of Black people who died in the Sharpeville Massacre, as well as those who were exiled in the north , east, and west Africa during the apartheid years. Women who marched in 1956, the youth who died in 1976, and some of his fans’ extended families will benefit from the death of individuals such as Andries Tatane. Due to the death of Andries Tatane, shockwaves spread throughout the nation, and as such a lot is being changed in his area (Ficksburg) to deliver service. We have well-respected and well- educated Black people such as Eskia Mphahle for example; individuals who we can be proud of. In conclusion: Blacks are not fools.


Written By: Tshegofatso Mosala

Please note that all opinions expressed by the author of this article are her own.

SHOWCASING YOUTH TALENT

One of the goals of Makoya Entrepreneurs is to provide a platform for the youth to expose their talents, be it through artistic expression, writing or insight on current affairs or entrepreneurship etc. In this way we are able to create an advertising platform for these individuals to not only showcase their talent, but also to ensure that they are empowered by connecting with the right people in whichever industry.


We recently came across Tshegofatso Mosala (22) - a BA (African and International Politics) Graduate from UNISA whose passion lies in politics and writing. Having founded the “Youth Consciousness Movement” in Soshanguve Pretoria, which is an NGO that aims to empower young people who are unemployed, disadvantaged, unskilled or in trouble with the law – we decided to showcase some of her work.

Some of Mosala’s achievements include winning an essay competition run by Metro FM as well as a writing challenge run by Radio 2000. We are pleased to have her contribute to the Makoya Entrepreneurs Blog.

A WELCOME SHIFT IN BEE LAWS

“The amendments would seek to address criticism that BEE was only creating a class of passive black shareholders rather than entrepreneurs actively engaged in economic activity.” (Business Report)

This is positive news for the so-called Makoya Entrepreneurs who will now be afforded the opportunity to take ownership of the South African economy through BEE transactions. In this context Makoya Entrepreneurs refers to those businesses that enhance production and bolster growth in the economy.

The Department of Trade and Industry has announced that the shift is from equity deals to enterprise development. This will allay criticism that BEE is creating a class of passive black shareholders rather than entrepreneurs actively engaged in economic activity. The growing culture of entitlement and BEE-fronting needs to be addressed; a small group of politically connected black businessmen should not be the only beneficiaries of lucrative BEE deals.

BEE deals centred on enterprise development will ensure sustainable economic growth because small businesses will be supported by the big corporates. In this way, small businesses will thrive, and more jobs created. It is refreshing to have companies such as Microsoft South Africa invest funds to the tune of 475 million ($69 million) in black-owned software firms to meet BEE rules, rather than selling an equity stake to black investors.

Foreign and local firms will now be encouraged to follow suit. The amendments to BEE laws to accommodate enterprise development –if well executed- will go a long way towards sustainable economic development in the country.

Source: http://www.iol.co.za/business/business-news/sa-signals-shift-in-bee-laws-1.1059231