OPINION | A Call to South Africa’s Youth: Choose Activism, Unity, and Purpose
By Sefora “Sisi” Ntombela – Former Premier of the Free State and Former Deputy President of the ANC Women’s League
South Africa stands at a crossroads, and at the heart of this moment is the question of the future of our young people. As I travel across communities, I see the same challenges repeatedly: deepening divisions, rising unemployment, substance abuse, and a growing culture of self-interest and materialism. I also see something else—a generation yearning for change but caught in a web of factionalism, disillusionment, and competing influences.
This is my plea to the youth of South Africa: choose activism over apathy, unity over division, and purpose over fleeting ambition. The future of this country is yours to shape, but to do so, we must reflect honestly on where we have gone wrong and what needs to be done differently.
Let Forgiveness and Peace Guide You
The first step to moving forward is forgiveness. Our country has been deeply scarred by divisions—political, generational, and personal. But if you remain trapped in resentment and anger, you will never have the strength to build something new.
We must choose peace—not peace that silences struggles but peace that empowers us to listen, forgive, and move forward. South Africa’s youth must reject the toxic culture of division and embrace the spirit of unity and shared purpose. The energy you expend on fights rooted in past battles can be better used to create a future that works for everyone.
Fighting Substance Abuse: A Crisis We Can No Longer Ignore
One of the greatest threats to the future of young people in South Africa is substance abuse. Across townships, rural and urban areas, from Mafahlaneng in Tweeling, all the way to Bloemfontein in Mangaung, drugs are stealing the potential of our youth. Families are being destroyed, communities are being torn apart, and a generation that should be building the nation is instead trapped in addiction.
This crisis is not just a problem for individuals—it is a national emergency. If we are serious about youth empowerment, we must be just as serious about tackling substance abuse head-on. It is impossible to build a successful life when drugs have taken control of your mind and body. It is impossible to create a better future when addiction chains you to destruction.
This is why the Sefora Ntombela Foundation, in collaboration with government, is intensifying its efforts to fight against substance abuse. We are launching targeted campaigns to raise awareness, provide support, and help young people break free from the grip of drugs. But this fight is not for government and organizations alone—it requires every single one of us.
We need young people to stand up against drug dealers in their communities. We need families to speak openly about the dangers of addiction. We need a society that refuses to look the other way as more and more of our youth fall victim to this epidemic.
To my fellow young South Africans: if you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, seek help. Do not let drugs steal your future. There is hope, there is support, and there is a way forward.
Activism Over Self-Interest
Our country does not need more self-serving leaders or opportunists who rise through manipulation and ambition. What South Africa desperately needs are activists—people who work tirelessly in their communities, understand the struggles of ordinary citizens, and refuse to abandon the people they claim to represent.
Activism is not glamorous. It does not make headlines or earn instant recognition. It requires humility, hard work, and sacrifice. But it is through this work that real change is built. True leaders emerge not through positions but through service.
A Generation Rooted in Real Issues
To the youth of South Africa, your mission is not to follow the mistakes of those who came before you. You must be different. You must be a generation that is deeply rooted in real issues—education, agriculture, labour, fighting crime, and community development.
Instead of being caught up in the distractions of factional battles or the pursuit of flashy lifestyles, focus on the challenges your peers are facing every day. Be a voice for the unemployed graduate, the young entrepreneur struggling to get a foothold in the economy, and the rural youth who feel left behind.
The future is built by those who are brave enough to stay grounded in the struggles of the day and humble enough to learn from the communities they serve.
Balancing Hard Work with Equity and Respect
Yes, we continue to fight for equality and equity—those are non-negotiables in our democracy. But equally important is the value of hard work and respect for oneself, for our elders, and for the country.
There is no shortcut to lasting success. Quick gains often come at great cost, while real success is born from perseverance and discipline. The youth of South Africa must reject the pressure to live beyond their means and embrace the dignity that comes with building something sustainable and meaningful.
History as a Compass, Not a Chain
Our history is a powerful teacher, but it must never be allowed to chain us to the past. It should guide us, remind us of where we come from, and offer lessons for the future. Yet, we cannot become so focused on the past that we forget to deal with the present.
Your responsibility as young people is to confront the challenges of your time. History will not absolve you if you fail to rise to this occasion.
Build, Don’t Destroy
My final plea to you is this: choose to build. There is enough destruction in this world already. South Africa needs builders—young people who are ready to create solutions, fight for justice, and leave something better behind.
Do not waste your time on battles that do not serve your generation. Avoid being drawn into conflicts that only divide and weaken us. Do not let fleeting fame or social media trends dictate your path. Choose substance. Choose to be the generation that restores hope, dignity, and purpose.
In the words of Nelson Mandela: “Resentment is like drinking poison and hoping it will kill your enemies.” Let go of resentment and rise above the noise. This country belongs to you. Its future depends on your courage to be different, your willingness to forgive, and your determination to work harder than ever before.
The choice is yours.
You can either be the generation that rises above division and self-interest, fights against the social ills of drugs and crime, and builds a South Africa worthy of its people—or the generation that lets history repeat itself.
Choose peace. Choose purpose. Choose to build a future you can be proud of.
