Let us give young people a chance to lead today

Stephen Sivuyile, Phakamisa Park, Khayelitsha

I will like to urge all young people to stop being followers all the time, that time has gone now.

Everyone can be a leader irrespective of age, gender, and even a political party. As young people we need to stand firm in what we believe in it and what we are capable of doing.

Each and every person young and old was born for a purpose. As young people we need not be afraid of engaging in areas that are not common to the youth and change generally. We must be involved in local activities, local initiatives, leadership positions because we can’t learn unless we are involved.

Young people can play a pivotal role in their communities to ensure that their vision is realised and formulated by leadership collectively. American author and historian Studs Terkel said: “Heroes are not giants statues framed against a red sky. They are people who say: This is my community, and it is my responsibility to make it better.”

As young people of today we have to reinvent ourselves – what do we want and what is our vision. I once overheard another leader saying that it’s crucial for any generation to discover its mission and either fulfil it or betray it. If you are serious about victory, about succeeding to humanise the world, even a little, then your struggle must be a living politics.

Young people need to be part of the decision-making processes, especially of those affecting them. I must remind you (young people) that there is nothing for us without us. If we can’t lead today, when are we going to lead? What are we waiting for? Let us give change a chance to take place in our communities, especial those areas within Ward 92 (Phakamisa Park, Litha Park as a whole, A, B, D and E section).

Change is something that presses us out of our comfort zone. It is filtered, heart-grown, faith-build. Change is for the better or worse, depending on how you view it. Change is needed when all the props and practices of the past no longer work. Charles Darwin said the following about change: “It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.”

It is on this basis that I would like to emphasise and re-emphasise that change is here to stay. I also believe that we have the power to question and change anything in our communities that we do not agree with. We have plenty of young leaders who have the passion to lead with great zeal and commitment. I am talking about disciplined, morally guided, trained and tested leaders that our communities needs.

Leaders who are capable so that we can achieve our ends and objectives in our communities. Everyone has a purpose in life, a unique gift or special talent to give to others.

We must also know that human rights are not things that are put on the table for people to enjoy. These are things that people fight for and then you protect it.

I would like to close by saying that I was born, you were born – we were born – in purpose. I am a young and energetic young male, a general activist who serve as a leader whenever I stand. A person who like to involve himself with positive activities and initiatives from my community to the rest of the country. Aluta Continua (the Struggle continues)!