address the psychological impact of unemployment and other stressors. Establishing mentorship programmes and community support networks can provide guidance and inspiration. Reducing economic and social inequalities can create a more level playing field for all young South Africans. This is the necessary trajectory to combat glaring and unabated hopelessness. Youth Day is a poignant reminder of the resilience and potential of South Africa’s youth. It calls on us to redouble our efforts to create an environment where young people can thrive. We need to view this task with great urgency. As Nelson Mandela once said, “our children are the rock on which our future will be built, our greatest asset as a nation. They will be the leaders of our country, the creators of our national wealth who care for and protect our people.” We owe it to the youth and South Africa to take the right steps now. This is how we honour the legacy of the youth of 1976.
So, what is to be done? It goes without saying that improving the quality of education and providing vocational training can help young people acquire the skills needed for the job market. Necessary in this process is an investment in education that equips the youth with the required skills, fostering ethical and technological development, promoting localised research and development, promoting human and intelligent technology collaboration, addressing disparities, and facilitating responsible technological adoption. This is how we tap into the potential of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), while prioritising the well-being and empowerment of humans. Our youth have the potential to become active participants and beneficiaries of technological advancements, but they require support. Moreover, policies and programmes that stimulate job creation and support young entrepreneurs are crucial. Then, the impact of our socioeconomic context is considered. Increasing access to mental health services can help
*The views expressed in this article are that of the author/s and do not necessarily reflect that of the University of Johannesburg.
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