AS South Africa celebrates its youth, many young citizens continue to reflect on their experiences and the realities of growing up in the country.

Nhlanzeko Chonco, a 20-year-old South African youth, studying towards a diploma in journalism at Tshwane University of Technology, believes that while there are some advantages to being a young person in South Africa, the disadvantages often outweigh the benefits.

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“One of the biggest concerns is the high unemployment rate. With approximately 40% of young people unemployed, the struggle to find jobs and secure a stable future after completing my education is a concern,” she said.

“I consider myself fortunate to be an intern at the Highway Mail where I am gaining work experience and learning from skilled people in the industry. For some youth, they struggle but there is hope,” she said.

She also pointed out that public universities, and even schools, often lack sufficient resources.

“Budget constraints can result in shortages of stationery, learning equipment, and library facilities. Without adequate resources, students may find it difficult to achieve their full academic potential. I experienced this in high school where there was a shortage of stationery. We had to buy our own which placed financial pressure on my family,” she said.

Another major concern is the neglect of youth health and well-being. Nhlanzeko notes that mental health issues among young people do not always receive the attention they deserve.

“In addition, drug and alcohol abuse have become growing problems among young people, often leading to further mental health challenges. I have seen this amongst my peers at university,” she added.

The rising cost of living also places considerable pressure on South African youth.

“Taxes, fuel prices, rent, and food costs make it difficult for many young people to achieve financial stability and independence. I moved out of my home in 2024 and have had to learn how to budget and be thrifty,” she added.

One of the greatest advantages as a youth is access to free education, although it does sometimes come at the cost of minimal resources, which provides many young people with the opportunity to further their studies and pursue their dreams.

Despite the disadvantages, she appreciates South Africa’s rich diversity.

“Our country is home to many different languages, races, religions, cultures, sports, and music traditions. This diversity creates opportunities for us to learn from one another and explore the unique heritage of the nation. When I moved to Pretoria I learnt about other languages such as Sepedi, Tswana and Sotho which has been beneficial to me,” she added.

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