We Are the Future: Youth Narratives on Prospects in a Democratic South Africa

Abstract

The study reports on an investigation into the perceptions of white and black South African youths regarding the future of the country as well as their own prospects. The qualitative research design consisted of five focus group discussions conducted between 2014 and 2016, and the number of participants involved was 48. White and black participants alike expressed their love for and dedication to the country. Black participants in particular indicated an appreciation of the opportunities and freedom that democracy afforded them and they believed they could bring about change through voting. However, both groups voiced their dissatisfaction and even despair and feelings of fatalism about the country’s political situation and the general stagnation and/or deterioration of conditions. Whereas some white participants felt they had no future in South Africa and intended to emigrate, participants of both the black and white groups expressed the hope that they could make a difference. The conclusion reached was that the optimism and dedication of the youth were vital resources for building a prosperous South Africa, provided that the government heeded the concerns of the young people of the country.