As South Africa prepares to commemorate Youth Day on June 16, the nation will once again honour the brave young people who took to the streets in 1976 and paid the ultimate price in the fight against apartheid. Their courage changed the course of history and secured political freedoms that many South Africans enjoy today. Yet, 50 years later, many young people in Durban are asking a difficult question: Was freedom won only to be replaced by unemployment, poverty and hopelessness? The youth of 1976 marched against an unjust education system that sought to limit their future. Today’s generation faces a different battle — one against unemployment, inequality and limited opportunities.
While politicians deliver speeches and lay wreaths in remembrance of the fallen heroes, thousands of young people across Durban will wake up on Youth Day without jobs, prospects or hope.
South Africa continues to grapple with one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the world. Nearly six out of every 10 young people aged between 15 and 24 remain unemployed, while even graduates are increasingly struggling to secure work.
To understand the realities facing young people today, The Springfield Weekly Gazette spoke to youth advocates, community leaders and young residents across Durban.
Founder of the Newlands East Wild Flower Project, Dr Nadia Bernon, said youth unemployment remains one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most pressing challenges. “KwaZulu-Natal’s youth unemployment rate stands at 46.1%. Six out of 10 unemployed young people have no work experience, yet many employers still expect first-time job seekers to have experience. How are they supposed to gain experience if they are never given an opportunity?” she asked.
Bernon said many graduates are sitting at home unemployed while others have become discouraged and stopped searching for work. “We need more internships, learnerships and mentorship programmes to help young people enter the workforce and build a future,” she said. Her concerns are echoed by many young Durban residents who believe government has failed to create meaningful economic opportunities despite years of promises.
For some young residents, Youth Day no longer carries the significance it once did. Tiffany Gabriel, 34, from the Sydenham Training Centre, believes the annual commemoration has lost much of its meaning. “In my opinion, Youth Day is just another holiday. It’s meant to celebrate the youth, but many young people are still suffering. The challenges may be different from those faced in 1976, but the suffering is still there,” she said.
Gabriel believes unemployment remains the biggest challenge facing young people. “The youth are sitting at home unable to secure jobs because government only makes empty promises. There are many departments that are short-staffed, yet we are constantly told there is no budget to employ people because funds are being mismanaged and stolen.”
She also urged young people to support one another rather than compete for scarce opportunities. “The youth need to come up with new ideas, raise awareness and help one another. Stop gatekeeping opportunities and start empowering each other.”
Twenty-year-old Jude Bezuidenhout shares similar frustrations. “I believe Youth Day has no significant value anymore. It feels like a normal day off,” he said. Bezuidenhout believes young people are often excluded from decisions that affect their futures. “There are opportunities that could be created, but it often feels like older people in leadership don’t want to hear what the younger generation thinks. We need new ideas, solutions and real change, not just words.”
For Nombuso Ntshangase, 30, however, Youth Day remains an important reminder of the sacrifices made by the youth of 1976. “It is a day to thank the youth who sacrificed themselves so that we could receive a better education and enjoy the freedoms we have today,” she said. Yet she believes government has not done enough to address the issues affecting young people. “Unemployment remains a major challenge. Young people need funding to start businesses and more opportunities to acquire technical skills.”
Their views reflect a growing frustration among many young South Africans who feel that while political freedom was achieved decades ago, economic freedom remains out of reach.
For many young people living with disabilities, the struggle for inclusion extends beyond employment and into everyday life. Action in Autism’s Shahumna Centre student, Isaac Jethro Munisamy, believes progress has been made in accepting autistic people, but says much more still needs to be done. “I feel more accepted as who I am in today’s world, where autistic people are slowly being supported. Being a young adult means I can do things for myself and cope with people who don’t always understand me. It’s important as autistic youth to make our own choices,” he said.
Munisamy believes young people with disabilities are often overlooked during Youth Day celebrations and programmes. “Disability encompasses a wide range of physical, sensory, intellectual, psychosocial and neurodevelopmental conditions. Meaningful inclusion requires more than simply inviting young people with disabilities to participate. It requires intentional planning and consideration of their different needs.” He said many Youth Day events can be overwhelming for autistic individuals because of large crowds, loud environments and sensory overload.True inclusion means creating spaces where autistic youth and other young people with disabilities can participate comfortably, contribute meaningfully and have their perspectives heard.”
Munisamy said one of the greatest challenges autistic young people face is being misunderstood. “Being different is not a bad thing.” He said misconceptions about autism often lead to stigma, exclusion and social isolation, while employment remains another major obstacle. “We don’t have bachelor’s degrees, so people think we’re not qualified. But we are able to learn jobs if we are shown and supported. Some employers think we can’t do the work because we don’t always make eye contact or communicate in conventional ways.”
He added that disabled young people are often denied the opportunity to speak for themselves. “I try to communicate for myself, but others often end up speaking on my behalf. That doesn’t help because it doesn’t always reflect what I am trying to say.”
The digital economy is creating new ways for young people to earn an income and develop skills. According to financial services company JustMoney, opportunities include freelance writing, graphic design, web development, virtual assistance, online tutoring, digital marketing, affiliate marketing and content creation on platforms such as YouTube and TikTok. Sarah Nicholson, Head of Customer Experience at JustMoney, said success online requires patience and continuous learning.
“Young people should focus on building their skills, using reputable platforms and creating quality work. Credibility and income growth come with persistence and continuous learning.” Experts also warn young people to avoid scams, never pay upfront fees for job opportunities and always verify online platforms before sharing personal information.
As South Africa marks another Youth Day, the reflections shared by Durban’s young people paint a complex picture. While they remain grateful for the sacrifices of the 1976 generation, many feel the struggle for dignity and equality is far from over. For today’s youth, the fight is no longer against apartheid laws but against unemployment, exclusion, poverty and a lack of opportunity.
Fifty years after the Soweto Uprising, one question remains: If freedom was won, when will economic freedom follow?
Until meaningful opportunities are created for all young people – including those living with disabilities – Youth Day may continue to serve not only as a celebration of past victories, but also as a reminder of the work that still lies ahead.
