To be a young Black woman in a racist gerontocracy that hates women
The month of June is of great significance in South Africa’s history and memory. It is a month during which we commemorate the revolutionary class of 1976 – a group of students and young people who brought the apartheid regime to its knees. It is a month during which we reflect on the long road to freedom that we have taken – freedom that claimed many casualties.
In my elderly grandmother, who is illiterate and spent her entire life working in the homes of rich White folk in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg, I experience the brutality of apartheid. In my late mother, who lost her youth to self-defence units in Soweto, and endless campaigns by the Mass Democratic Movement that she was part of, I experienced the dehumanisation of apartheid.
I have also been reflecting on the growing levels of poverty and inequalities, which see young Black people in particular on the receiving end. The youth unemployment rate, which stands at a staggering 64%, has also been a point of reflection for me. Though I am not part of the statistics, I know many of my peers who are. I see them hopeless, dehumanised and de-civilised by joblessness.
The youth of 1976 fought for us to live in a better country than they inherited. I will always commemorate their selfless sacrifice. But daily, and particularly in this month of June, I cannot help but reflect on just how debilitating it is to live in a country where I am more likely to be raped and killed than I am to receive support for a start-up company.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Malema ‘rejects’ Zondo's state capture report findings for attacking 'black quality' | The CitizenThe EFF leader accused Zondo of focusing on black leaders and ignoring corruption involving white people.
Read more »
Black Coffee hailed a 'heroic figure' by Drake in tribute post | ChannelDrake is honouring those he considers 'heroic figures,' and that includes South African music producer, Black Coffee
Read more »
New heights for black womenPandemic, politics, poverty, pyromania, Peskom … the obstacles South Africans face can seem insurmountable, so it’s good to hear from Saray Khumalo, who conquered Mount Everest.
Read more »
SA mining’s black holeMillion of tons in valuable minerals, from thermal coal and manganese to platinum group metals, can be found in SA. Yet, despite this serendipity, the government has had only partial success in unlocking the benefits.
Read more »
ESTHER MUKUMBO: How can families successfully navigate ‘black tax’?It may seem an impossible balancing act at times, but black professionals can break the cycle by looking ahead, writes EMukumbo.
Read more »
ESTHER MUKUMBO: How can families successfully navigate ‘black tax’?It may seem an impossible balancing act at times, but black professionals can break the cycle by looking ahead, writes EMukumbo.
Read more »