49 Years Since ’76: Are South African Youth Truly Free?
June 19, 2025 –
Forty-nine years ago, on June 16, 1976, South African youth took to the streets, demanding dignity, education, and freedom. They stood against oppression, fearless in the face of bullets and brutality. Nearly half a century later, the same spirit of resistance is alive in communities like Carolina and Breyten, where young people are now confronting new chains. The youth of Carolina and Breyten find themselves trapped in new forms of oppression: economic exclusion, environmental destruction, and political abandonment.
As the youth, we find ourselves asking whether we are truly free or if we are simply growing older in a system that refuses to recognise our struggles.
The Reality We Face
Ncamiso Mnisi (32), an environmental justice activist in Carolina challenges the illusion of freedom:
“Yes, we have political freedom, but are we really enjoying it? Nepotism, cadre deployment, and unfair economic opportunities dominate our communities. Our politicians do not care about us. Parliament has become a retirement home for politicians who are disconnected, unconcerned. The only freedom South African youth experience today is mental health struggles caused by unemployment, poverty, and hopelessness. More and more young people turn to drugs like nyaope because they see no future ahead. Are we really free, or simply growing old with bleak futures?”
Hlobile Mabuza (24), a youth activist from Carolina echoes the concerns but sees the urgency for solutions:
“We still face economic instability, a lack of skills, and limited job opportunities. Rapid technological shifts keep us behind while industries demand experience we do not have. But transformation is possible if we focus on economic empowerment, education, social justice, environmental sustainability, and real youth representation. We cannot afford to wait for politicians to act, we must lead the change ourselves.”
Vusimuzi Nkosi (31), founder of Voices of Breyten from Breyten Kwa Zanele speaks to the struggle of mining communities:
“Our communities have been devastated by mining companies that prioritise profit over people. The excessive use of explosives has damaged homes, poisoned water sources, and endangered lives. The government has failed to enforce regulations, allowing corporations to operate without consequences. We need accountability, strong enforcement of laws, and a governance system that prioritises community empowerment.”
What Freedom Must Mean
True freedom cannot exist while youth unemployment skyrockets, mental health declines, and communities are stripped of their resources. If democracy is meant to serve the people, then we demand:
- Economic empowerment and job opportunities, policies that benefit youth, not just political elites.
- Education and skills development, so that young people can compete in the modern economy.
- Social justice and human rights, ending corruption and ensuring governance that works for communities.
- Environmental sustainability, holding mining corporations accountable for pollution and destruction.
- Youth representation and leadership because the future cannot be shaped by those clinging to past privileges.
The struggle of 1976 did not end: it evolved. Today, our fight is not for political freedom alone, but for economic survival, environmental justice, and real youth leadership. If democracy does not uplift the unemployed, the forgotten, and the struggling, then it is an illusion rather than a reality. Today’s youth refuse to inherit broken promises. We will fight for a future that belongs to us.
About the authors:
Edward Shabangu is the founder of Carolina Eco Green Economy and a passionate advocate for clean water and environmental justice. He is also a member of the CJC steering committee.
Ncamiso Mnisi is an environmental justice activist from Carolina, Mpumalanga. She leads water monitoring efforts and advocates for feminist organising in Silobela.
Hlobile Mabuza is a youth sports mentor and dedicated community builder based in Silobela Location, Carolina. She empowers young people through sports while promoting social unity and grassroots development.
Vusimuzi Nkosi, founder of Voices of Breyten, fights for mining justice demanding fair Social and Labour Plans (SLPs) and real community consultation.