By Nco Dube

Youth Month in South Africa is a significant commemoration of the sacrifices made by young people in the fight against apartheid. Especially those that died brutally at the hands of the apartheid police in Soweto on 16 June 1976. 

Today, the youth of South Africa face numerous challenges, including unemployment, crime, food security, and lack of funding for further education. To address these issues, it is crucial that the youth harness the power of social media to drive progress and prosperity.

The latest statistics from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) for the first quarter of 2024 reveal that the youth unemployment rate in South Africa remains a significant concern. According to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey, the youth unemployment rate for those aged 15-24 years old increased to 59.7% in Q1 2024, up from 59.4% in Q4 2023. 

This trend is particularly concerning for young people from previously advantaged groups, particularly black Africans. For instance, the youth unemployment rate for black Africans aged 15-24 years old was 63.1% in Q1 2024, while for coloured youth it was 54.4%. In contrast, the youth unemployment rate for white youth was significantly lower at 34.5%.

The educational level breakdown of youth unemployment also highlights the severity of the issue. According to Stats SA, in Q1 2024, 64.1% of youth with a matric certificate were unemployed. Even those with some form of tertiary education and the young graduates are impacted. 

This suggests that even those with higher levels of education are struggling to find employment. Furthermore, the data shows that youth from disadvantaged backgrounds are disproportionately affected by unemployment. 

For instance, 72.1% of youth from households with a monthly income of less than R15,000 were unemployed, compared to 44.1% of those from households with a monthly income of R15,000 or more. These statistics underscore the need for targeted interventions to address the root causes of youth unemployment in South Africa.

Social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok have become essential tools for the youth to connect, engage, and initiate campaigns. These platforms provide a safe space for young people to speak out and share their concerns, mobilizing support and fostering collective action. Look at the #MeToo movement, which originated on social media, has become a global phenomenon, challenging societal norms and initiating crucial conversations about sexual harassment and abuse.

In South Africa, the youth can and should utilise social media more to drive change. This has already begun for example, the #FeesMustFall movement, which began on social media, led to widespread protests and ultimately resulted in significant changes to the country’s higher education system. 

Similarly, the #BlackLivesMatter movement, which originated in the United States,  gained significant traction in South Africa, with young people using social media to raise awareness about systemic racism and police brutality.

Social media has also become a vital tool for entrepreneurship and social development. Many young South Africans should be leveraging social media to start their own businesses, promote their products and services, and connect with potential customers. For instance, the rise of e-commerce platforms like Shopify and Etsy has enabled young entrepreneurs around the world to sell their products globally, creating new opportunities for economic growth and development.

Furthermore, social media has become a key platform for community programs and information sharing. Many organisations and individuals are using social media to promote their initiatives, share information, and mobilize support. For example, the #Glocal movement, which originated in Europe, has become a global phenomenon, with young people using social media to promote local initiatives and connect with like-minded peers worldwide. This can be harnessed to focus on youth-oriented community programs.

In terms of statistics, a significant proportion of South African youth have access to smartphones and spend a substantial amount of time on social media. According to a recent survey, 70% of South African youth aged 18-34 use social media daily, with 60% using it for more than two hours a day. This widespread adoption of social media presents a significant opportunity for the youth to harness its power to drive change.

While a large number of this youth with access to smartphones and social media use it to escape the harsh realities of their lives by immersing themselves into a fun, funny and extremely creative virtual environment, they need to realise the power and potential social media has to positively impact their lives and the lives of their communities.

The power to propel the country forward by unlocking that power and potential and joining their counterparts from the rest of the world in the exploitation of technology and the internet for a better life.

The impact of social media on the youth of South Africa cannot be overstated. It can enable young people to connect with peers across the globe, share their experiences, and mobilise support for their causes. For instance, the #EndSARS movement in Nigeria, which began on social media, led to widespread protests and ultimately resulted in significant changes to the country’s policing system.

Social media has also become a vital tool for mental health awareness and support. Many young people globally are using social media to share their struggles with mental health, connect with others who are going through similar experiences, and seek support. 

For example, the #MentalHealthMatters movement, which originated on social media, has become a global phenomenon, challenging societal norms and reducing stigma around mental health issues.

In addition, social media has become a key platform for education and skill-building. Young people in South Africa should be using social media to access educational resources, learn new skills, and connect with experts in their fields. For instance, the #LearnWithMe movement, which also originated on social media, has become a global phenomenon, providing young people with access to educational resources and mentorship.

Moreover, social media has become a crucial tool for community engagement and social cohesion. Many young people are using social media to connect with their communities, share their experiences, and mobilize support for local initiatives. For instance, the #CommunityFirst movement, which started on social media, has found traction around the globe, promoting community engagement and social cohesion.

In conclusion, social media can become a vital tool for the youth of South Africa to drive progress and prosperity. By leveraging social media to initiate campaigns, promote entrepreneurship, and share information, the youth can create positive change in their communities and contribute to the country’s overall development. As the world continues to evolve, it is essential that the youth of South Africa remain at the forefront of this digital revolution, using social media to shape their own futures and those of their communities.

(Dube is a Political Economist, Businessman, and Social Commentator on Radio and various newspapers. Read more of his articles here: ncodube.blog)