Local graduate in Dubai
"We are never too young to bring change in our communities. We are the future of this world; no matter what struggle is faced daily, let's focus on our journey and win,'' Thandeka concluded.
NKOMAZI – Thandeka Khoza, a young woman who grew up in Nkomazi, attended a four-day conference in Dubai in October to discuss global issues like unemployment, health issues and gender inequality.
She was chosen by the committee of United Nation Development Plan to talk about the involvement of the youth in achieving sustainable development goals. Young people from all around the world were invited.
Khoza graduated as a rural development practitioner from the University of Venda in May. During her time at university she joined the Institute for Rural Development, were she worked in different projects as a volunteer in social organisation. Earlier this year she was selected to participate as a delegate in the Global Goal Model United in Malaysia.
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Khoza aims to help the new generation in shaping its own future and to focus on the importance of the continuous learning process even after graduation.
“Focusing on education, unemployment and entrepreneurship, I realised that African countries have similar issues, but South Africa is way better compared to other African countries. They were talking about introducing free education from primary level to tertiary level. In entrepreneurship in most African countries the government is not assisting them with funding, unlike South Africa. We have different agencies. But what triggered the debate was the market shifting because of the new introduced technology, artificial intelligence. People with or without qualifications are retrenched from work daily. The world needs young innovative people, critical thinkers and problem-solvers. We should go beyond the level of getting a degree and get a job. We must bring solutions to the problem we are facing.” said Khoza.
She advices the youth that they should believe in themselves and not stop, because if you do not believe in yourself, who will? ”It starts with you as an individual. We shouldn’t fear pursuing our dreams and starting social projects and businesses. So many people give up because of rejection. That is a normal experience in life; it must not stop you from reaching your dreams.
