June is known as youth month, and at Torque IT, we have a particular fondness for the youth. We strive to invest in and uplift young people at every opportunity. As we approach youth day, we want to take this opportunity to reflect on what it means to us, both as a team and as individuals.
With the rise of social media, there has been a renewed interest in commemorating the Soweto youth uprising of 16 June 1976 during youth day. This day provides a chance for us to come together as a nation and encourage young people to pursue sustainable opportunities for personal growth, both for today and the future.
Youth Day in South Africa holds immense significance, celebrating the vibrant spirit and resilience of our youth. It’s a day that reminds us of the power they possess to shape our nation’s future. But it’s not just about celebration; it’s about how we can set our youth up for success. As a country and continent we have the youngest population which places us in position to be the next growth area in terms of skills.
This makes upskilling and skilling our youth with ICT skills crucial. In this digital era, technology opens doors to endless possibilities. It empowers them to dream big and chase their aspirations fearlessly. Let’s inspire our youth, provide them with tools, and unleash their potential. Together, we can create a generation of tech-savvy trailblazers, leading South Africa to new heights.
Let’s harness the power of ICT and build a brighter tomorrow, where our youth’s dreams become reality.
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Jacob Mogale
Being young in South Africa means to be a part of a generation that refuses to be held down and continues to strive for a better future. It means to be a part of a generation that is determined to break the cycle of poverty and inequality. Young South Africans are becoming more and more vocal about their opinions on the state of the nation, and are taking it upon themselves to make a change.
South Africa’s unemployment rate is at 32,9 %, and is among the highest in the world. Shocking right? But If we are going to have an honest conversation about the youth unemployment crisis in South Africa, we should be able to do so without dismissing their concerns, frustrations and most importantly their hopelessness.
The stereotype that Millennials and Gen Zs are lazy and lack motivation has been perpetuated by older generations. This lack of trust in younger generations leads to projecting their own generational problems onto the youth. However, it is important to examine the origins of this stereotype and question its accuracy. While it is true that younger generations have grown up with technology that provides instant access to information, this does not necessarily mean that they lack ambition or are lazy. Being a Millennial or a Gen Z is no guarantee that the digital skills you have are at full potential to be able to contribute to the workforce nor to the community.
It is important to have digital literacy to be able to contribute in the economy. Digital literacy means to be empowered with various ICT skills to be more creative and active in different job roles. The acquiring of ICT skills from basic to advanced levels is a journey that should start from a very young age, up-skilling and re-skilling throughout their education. However, that is not a reality for South African youth coming from disadvantaged backgrounds. We need to evaluate first, whether or not if we as a country have created an environment that inspires the youth to want to learn new skills, to upskill or just feeling inspired to want to participate in the community.
Part of the solution is holding our leaders accountable and not just political leaders, influential leaders in the private sector as well. People need to feel valued, heard and seen to be inspired. With the right support and opportunities, young people can become a driving force for change and progress in our country.
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Lesego Mokoena
We celebrate Youth Day to pay tribute to the lives lost by reminding ourselves of the roles our Youth played in making South Africa a better country. The voices of young people in movements have been catalysts for change. They have brought about the change we enjoy today, hence, a promise for a better tomorrow.
We reminisce the past struggles, celebrate the present freedom, and have the responsibility to invest in our Youth by equipping them with the necessary skills to join the world of work. ICT skills equips our Youth to not only learn digital skills, but also helps to enhance their ability to think outside the box, and not conform to this worlds norms. Upskilling and skilling our Youth in technology empowers them to be future fit ready, break barriers, and ultimately succeed in an increasingly digitalized world.
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Cindy McQuire
When I think about Youth Day for me, it’s a reminder that we as young people have the power to change circumstances that are challenging into reality.
We have a voice and choice to become what we want to be in life, and not let anything stand in our way.
Our generation believes that educating young people in ICT skills is the best course of action because technology is so demanding and where we can alter the world with the skills and knowledge that are available to us. Coming from a background as a cleaner and upgrading myself to be a receptionist today, ICT technology has changed my life. I was given the chance to acquire and advance my ICT skills thanks to this opportunity.
In my current position, I am working on a computer and am continuously learning in the world of technology. The best individuals I work with are constantly trying to help me better and set ambitious goals that I can achieve. Being employed by a training organization has given me the advantage in life to attend training sessions and help my son with his schooling today. Although difficult and tough, I am confident that I will eventually achieve my goals. Let’s go out there and take advantage of every opportunity that comes our way to stand out from the crowd as the globe moves steadily toward technological advancement.
We have all experienced terrible knocks in life, but don’t allow it make you less of a person. Be self-assured, take pride in your accomplishments, and don’t let someone tell you that you can’t do anything or that you won’t succeed.
To all the young people out there, take chances and seize every opportunity that you can to succeed in life!
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Penny Funo
Upskilling and certifying South African and African youth and women with ICT and cybersecurity skills is not just significant but has a sexy edge to it too. It is an essential investment that positions African women and youth at the forefront of technology and innovation. The African continent is experiencing a revolution in digital technologies, and the need for skilled ICT and cybersecurity professionals is continually growing. With women being the majority population in Africa, it is critical that they receive equal opportunities in the digital sector.
Upskilling South African and African youth and women in ICT and cybersecurity has numerous advantages; it reduces the gender digital divide, promotes gender diversity, and accelerates economic growth. In Africa, women have traditionally been underrepresented in the technology sector, and the upskilling of African women in ICT and cybersecurity has the potential to change this. This shift towards gender equality in the digital sector creates opportunities for women to engage in meaningful work that meets their economic needs.
In addition to this, upskilling women with ICT and cybersecurity skills has a knock-on effect on society, breaking down societal barriers and stereotypes. This leads to a growth in productivity and economic growth, with more women becoming active professionals in the digital sector. The involvement of women in cybersecurity guarantees unique skillsets, providing innovative approaches towards dealing with cybercrime.
The sexual appeal of upskilling and certifying African youth and women with ICT and cybersecurity skills is that it positions them as experts in future-proofing the continent’s technological advancements. It’s a strategy that enhances Africa’s security posture and allows youth and women to be competently involved in fighting cyber threats. With youth and women constituting a large percentage of the African population, upskilling them becomes a mainstream empowerment strategy that’s necessary to shape Africa’s future.
In conclusion, upskilling and certifying South African and African youth and women with ICT and cybersecurity skills is sexy because it breaks down societal stereotypes and positions African women and youth as the driving force behind the continent’s digital and cybersecurity sectors. It is a significant investment that ensures Africa benefits from the latest digital and cybersecurity advancements while empowering the youth and women to emerge as leaders in the sector.
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Kirosha Naidoo
Youth Day in South Africa is an important day to recognize and celebrate the contributions of young people to the country’s development. It is a day to celebrate the courage and resilience of the youth who fought for freedom and justice during the struggle against apartheid. It is also a day to reflect on the progress that has been made since then and to consider the challenges that still remain. Youth Day is an opportunity for us to recognize the potential of our young people and to create an environment in which they can thrive.
Upskilling the youth with ICT skills is crucial as it provides them with the necessary tools to succeed in a digital world. With the right ICT skills, young people can gain a competitive edge in the job market, develop their own businesses, and become more informed citizens. ICT skills also help to bridge the digital divide, as those with access to technology can gain the skills to use it effectively. Furthermore, ICT skills can help to improve the quality of education, as students can use technology to access resources, collaborate with peers, and develop their problem-solving skills.
Developing these amazing skills, it can have significant impact on our unemployment rate in South Africa.
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Morne Van Niekerk
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