Publications
Partners
I form part of what is called the “born free” generation. I feel as though as a generation we have been privileged to be born in a post-apartheid setting, and in a democratic state due to the struggles that were fought by past freedom fighters and most importantly in our context the youth of 1976, but I also feel as though there are still so many issues that we face daily.
So as the current generation we need to recognise the power we have and continue the fight for liberation. As a young person in a school setting I am still constantly exposed to issues of racism, sexism, discrimination – you name it – and one thing I always say is that as young people we need to all become activists in our environments. If we all stood up in situations of inequality we could make such an impact, in fighting these social ills and systematic oppressions in our individual spaces.
So as a young person, I believe in claiming my voice and not waiting for larger platforms to make a change, let’s start in our own social circles with challenging these issues that affect us, let’s have the uncomfortable conversations around rape culture, toxic masculinity issues that we are often too afraid to challenge.
I also think that over and above having these conversations, let’s start implementing the changes we want to see to contribute to this ideal South Africa we want to live in. If we want to fight inequality, let’s start projects in communities, something as simple as tutoring other students who don’t have access to the type of education we have, mentor them about scholarship programmes and how to apply so in access you are equipping a fellow young person through education, which can break cycles of poverty.
I also feel as though we are the digital survey generation so let’s use platforms on social media to broadcast change an example would be the hashtag #FeesMustFall that young people started, let’s use these platforms, because they have become a tool of communications for us a young people to reach out and have a voice.
Going back to the question, personally as a young person I use art as a tool to contribute to my society. As a poet I tackle issues affecting our society, and through drama I involve myself in telling authentic stories and embracing our stories because I believe that we need to reclaim our African stories and rewrite this narrative.
So art for me is my voice and my tool in which I navigate the society we live in, I educate others about issues affecting our society, and I also love to bring about hope and inspire others that it is possible to have a South Africa where we are all fully liberated, and are free to be who they want to be.
May we as young people always honour and remember the youth of 1976 and the lives lost in the struggle for freedom, and through this strong foundation know that we hold so much potential and that we have a voice. It is not up to anyone, but to us to create a better society that we want to live in!
Botlhale Boikanyo (17) is a student, poet, actress and dancer.
