Youth Month

Gallery

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Yesterday was Youth Day and June is Youth Month. The Mossel Bay Advertiser interviewed young people in Mossel Bay to find out their dreams and ambitions and their concerns for the future. We also asked them what could be done to improve South Africa.

"Work hard for the future," was the advice of one young woman, Asisipho Xelani. "Live for tomorrow. My fear for South Africa is that the youth won't get jobs or the opportunity to fulfil their dreams. I want to be a model and live overseas, far from South Africa."

Justin Bligenoud said: "I'm worried about where our country is going and about drug abuse. The youth must stand together and be part of a neighbourhood watch. We have to move forward in a Christian way."

PHOTO GALLERY: Youth voice their opinions

Ronica Baruch said: "Because I work in healthcare, I think our health system should be improved." She said the youth should be inspired to learn and do something with what they learnt.

"They need to focus on choices. They shouldn't just party. Also, it's not cool to drink and drive. They should study and be successful."

Seize opportunities

Nicolene Beukes noted that a positive trait of South Africans is that they seize opportunities, move forward and do not look at the past. "I'm studying to be a teacher. I am concerned there won't be work opportunities for everyone. I would like to help the less privileged."

Christill Minnies is concerned about her baby, who turns two next month. "I want my child to have a good future. Fortunately I am not a single parent, but work is scarce."

Chanel Bronkhorst said: "I am a teacher's assistant at a primary school." She said sometimes situations children were in, forced them to grow up too fast. She believes children should be allowed to be children and have a proper childhood.

Lee-Schen Muller, a member of Hartenbos Netball Club, said: "Youth should take part in things like sport, which keep them away from crime and build character. South Africa could have a good future if we stop corruption and give everyone an equal chance to be successful."

Another advocate of sport being good for the youth is Luyanda Tafeni. "I want to be a professional footballer. Sport is important. The youth are drinking and smoking. There is a lot to worry about." He said the youth needed teaching and encouragement.

Luyanda Tafeni