Youth Empowerment Essential for Johannesburg's Future, Experts Say

At a recent Metro Lives dialogue, experts and youth advocates emphasized that the revitalization of Johannesburg hinges on the involvement of its young population. Hosted by the DG Murray Trust at Constitution Hill, the panel discussion addressed pressing issues such as food insecurity, public safety, and the need for inclusive municipal budgets.

Matshidiso Lencoasa, a budget analyst from SECTION27, highlighted that the city's future cannot be shaped without listening to youth voices. "Johannesburg has these problems, but we also have ideas, we also have solutions. We just need to be intentional about listening to young people," she stated, advocating for their active participation rather than treating them as mere beneficiaries.

The panel included notable figures like Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng, the EFF's mayoral candidate, and Mark Heywood, co-founder of Union Against Hunger. They discussed strategies for placing children and youth at the heart of Johannesburg's renewal. A poignant moment came from a high school student who recounted her struggles with hunger, revealing the stark realities faced by many in the city.

Heywood criticized the failing urban food system and the city's neglect of its constitutional obligations to ensure food security. He proposed practical initiatives such as utilizing municipal land for food production and nurturing community kitchens that sustain vulnerable populations. Heywood also lamented the demolition of an inner-city farm that provided agricultural education to young people, advocating instead for support for informal food traders who serve poorer communities.

Lencoasa called attention to the disconnect between the government's commitments to children and the realities of budget implementation. She noted that while South Africa boasts progressive laws, the execution often falls short due to austerity measures and lack of accountability. She argued for a “budget by the people for the people,” emphasizing that communities should have a say in how public funds are allocated.

Audience members echoed these sentiments, urging for a shift in how the city interacts with youth. One young woman expressed skepticism towards political promises, asserting that many young people have never experienced a thriving Johannesburg, shaped instead by the legacies of apartheid and segregation.

In closing, Mofokeng reinforced the idea that young people should be seen not as burdens but as vital contributors to the city’s future. A child-friendly Johannesburg, she argued, would foster civic participation and ensure safety while investing in the aspirations of its youngest residents.

Source: www.dailymaverick.co.za