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.