Now that June has arrived once more, we are aware that it is Youth Month. For some, it’s just another historical event on the calendar. However, it means so much more to us young people in South Africa. Yes, it’s a shout-out and a reminder of our roots with the Soweto Uprising, but it’s also a huge high five to our future. We’re not just the “future leaders”; we’re making a difference around all over right now.

To be honest, there are moments when it seems like adults have us all figured out glued to our phones, preoccupied with trends. And although we may be on TikTok, we’re also studying code on YouTube, creating empires in our direct messages, and igniting movements on our feeds. This means that humans are born with the ability to interact, invent, and solve problems in ways that were unthinkable just a generation ago. In the digital world, we’re creating new ways, bridging gaps, and bringing about changes that will improve South Africa.

Many of us grew up with a smartphone in our hand. This is more than simply constant scrolling; it’s about finding information, connecting with people all over the world, and even learning complex skills online. The true game changer is DON’T only consume stuff but begin making it. Think about learning a new digital talent, such as creating a basic app, exploring graphic design for social effect, or mastering video editing to deliver compelling stories. Our country’s future is digital, and if we truly embrace it, our ease with technology will give us a significant advantage.

We’ve faced a lot of challenges, haven’t we? But that hasn’t broken us. If anything, it’s made us tougher, more adaptable. We navigate many socio-economic landscapes, push for social justice, and adapt with incredible courage. My tip for the youth is to see setbacks as lessons, not failures. Seriously, every “no” or every obstacle you hit is a chance to get smarter, tougher, and way more creative. We have to use that resilience to keep pushing, even when it feels totally impossible.

Faced with current economic realities, many of us aren’t just sitting around waiting for opportunities; we’re creating them. That “hustle” spirit is strong, with young people launching startups, side gigs, and social enterprises. The key tip is to start small, learn fast. We don’t need a massive loan to kick things off. We just need to identify a genuine problem in our community or among our friends, and then seriously think about how we could solve it. Every big business we see started with a small idea and a whole lot of determination.

This Youth Month, let’s stop just talking about young people and start actively investing in ourselves and each other. Let’s truly see us for who we are: not just the kids of yesterday, but the dynamic, passionate, resilient, and bery “cool” architects of a brand new tomorrow. We’re here, we’re ready, and we’re already making things happen.

– Lucky Mulalo, Campus Ambassado