As South Africa commemorates Youth Month
and honours the legacy of 16 June 1976, we shine a spotlight on Sandy Fourie, a
32-year-old Gauteng Traffic Warden based at the Johannesburg High Court. Sandy
begins each day with a sense of duty, not only to the court but also to her
community in Eldorado Park. She firmly believes that young people in South
Africa can drive meaningful change within their communities.
For Sandy, Youth Month is a powerful
time of reflection and responsibility, particularly in light of the historic
events of 16 June 1976. This date serves as a potent reminder of the strength
that the youth of that era demonstrated through collective action against
injustice. She specifically highlights the peaceful protest against the
language policy as a moment of fearlessness, courage, and unwavering demand for
quality education. This inherited spirit of unity, she believes, remains
crucial for today’s youth in the pursuit of accessible and relevant education.
Among the many inspiring young South
Africans, past and present, one figure stands out for Sandy: Solomon Mahlangu.
His story, especially his final words – “My blood will nourish the tree that
will bear the fruits of freedom” – resonates deeply with her. At just 23 years
old, Mahlangu’s sacrifice became a symbol of purposeful resistance. For Sandy,
his legacy proves that one committed young person can ignite lasting change.
Sandy dreams of transformation for the
youth of Eldorado Park. She highlights substance abuse as a major challenge in
her community, linking it to social ills like teenage pregnancy and peer
pressure. She envisions a Youth-Led, Community-Based Rehabilitation and Skills
Hub, a safe space offering meditation, counselling, skills development, and
positive alternatives like sports and the arts. “I advocate for young people to
be actively involved in planning, outreach, and peer support to break the cycle
of substance abuse,” she says.
In a rapidly evolving world, Sandy
believes that today’s youth must equip themselves with key skills to thrive
over the next five years: digital fluency, adaptability, critical thinking,
problem-solving, and financial literacy. She champions an entrepreneurial
mindset in a job-scarce economy, as well as emotional intelligence and
resilience to navigate life’s pressures. Technical skills such as plumbing,
electrical work, and coding, she adds, can also open doors where traditional
education might not.
Sandy underscores the vital roles that
government and business must play in creating meaningful youth employment. She
calls for increased investment in quality education and Technical and
Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, alignment of curricula with
future skills, and the implementation of youth employment programmes that
prioritise skills transfer over cheap labour. Additionally, reducing red tape
for Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) and improving infrastructure
are key interventions. Businesses, she insists, must treat youth as an
investment and introduce comprehensive internship, apprenticeship, and
mentorship programmes that connect young talent with experienced professionals.
Balancing studies, work, and family is
no small feat. For Sandy, the key is “prioritising well-being in the chaos.”
She uses digital calendars, makes time for prayer, rests when needed, and
maintains healthy boundaries. While she acknowledges that balance sometimes
tips, she no longer chases perfection, choosing instead progress and
self-forgiveness. Supportive friends, family, and open conversations help her
stay centred during challenging moments.
One of Sandy’s proudest generational
moments came during the youth climate strikes in Johannesburg. She recalls
seeing “thousands of young people…demanding services, education, gender
equality, safety, and recognition of LGBTIQ rights.” That moment instilled in
her a profound sense of generational pride. “We claimed our voice on the world
stage,” she reflects.
Speaking out on social issues isn’t
always easy. Sandy admits that the fire to stand up for justice often comes
with fear of backlash, online harassment, or self-doubt. But witnessing others
lead and engaging with safe, supportive communities gives her the courage to
continue. She believes silence can be harmful and that even small acts of
speaking up can empower others to do the same.
Looking ahead to 2030, Sandy hopes that
South African youth will continue to harness their creativity, digital fluency,
and collective energy to drive innovation and co-create a more just and
equitable society. A generation that learns from past struggles but defines its
future. Her greatest fear, however, is that rising inequality, climate change,
and political instability will erode this potential, leaving behind a
generation trapped in cycles of unemployment, violence, and despair, their
dreams reduced to fading memories of 1976 and 1994.
“Youth Month is not a box to be ticked
or a date on the calendar. It is a living challenge and an ongoing
responsibility. The legacy of young people who rose up in 1976 lives on in
every South African youth who speaks up, stands tall, and steps forward to
lead. It is a legacy I carry proudly, not just in what I say, but in how I
live,” she concludes.