Youth Day is more than a day off, says local activist

Activist and voice for the community, Bokkie Pule, has spoken out about Youth Day and the importance of keeping youth involved.

• Also read: Youth urged to focus on school and nothing else

“Youth Day means a lot to me since it reminds me of the struggle black students had to fight for their educational rights,” she explained.

She noted she became a youth activist to help bring order and to bring youth groups together. She feels parents should be vigilant and observant, as well as teach children that respect and love come first.

Bokkie helped many parents and children with charitable needs. She regularly celebrated Youth Day by hosting events where the youth gathered to play games and enjoy meals. She also participated in helping young people find job opportunities.

However, Bokkie claims that today’s youth is not aware of the significance of Youth Day.

I feel like they do not take it seriously enough. They never want to delve into politics, and they rarely have discipline,” she commented.

Bokkie added that the leaders of today do not do the right thing. She also stated that youth desks do not participate in any events, sport complexes are incomplete, and the minds of the youth are riddled with drugs.

“I fear that too many young people believe in social grants, and some young girls are getting pregnant at an early age to receive these grants. Most of the leaders continue to talk, but they never engage with the youth. There is no transparency or respect. The leaders are supposed to guide, teach and direct these young people. I no longer see bible studies and praying at school.

“I always believed in the saying ‘charity begins at home’ and therefore it is the parents’ job to bend the branch while it is still young.”

Bokkie also believes the youth of today do not feel empowered by the economic environment. She elaborated that unemployment, education and mental health have negatively affected young people.

You usually see most children in the streets addicted to substances or pregnant. Nowadays, parents need to worry that their children might drop out of school due to peer pressure. They need to be guided.

“Discipline is such an important tool. To make sure you enhance order in your home, you have to give your children love and bond with them,” she said.

She feels that Youth Day might be more commemorative if the youth are supplied with better job opportunities and facilities where they are taught to respect, as well as learning the history of black South Africans.

“Prevention of problems is key,” Bokkie concluded.