SA youth 'optimistic'
2005-06-15 14:48
Cape Town - South Africa's youth generation is optimistic, positive about the future and proudly South African, a survey has found on the eve of National Youth Day on June 16.
Yvonne Johnston, CEO of the International Marketing Council of South Africa (IMC) said on Wednesday this research confirmed perceptions that there was a growing belief in the future among young South Africans.
"They are independent thinkers who don't want to be saddled with the negative attitudes of the past, " Johnston said.
She said more than 91% of the respondents in the 20- to 24-year-old age category said they were "excited to live in this time of change. Almost two-thirds were more confident about the future than they were a year ago.
The new generation "consider South Africa to be a country that is alive with possibility," Johnston said.
The survey also found that:
80% were strongly, proudly South African;
59% were much more confident about the future than they were a year ago;
91% were excited to live in this time of change;
70% argued with people who talk negatively about South Africa;
57% made an effort to assist the poor;
85% believed South Africans had determination to succeed;
The total number of South Africans in the 20-24 year age group is estimated at 4.3 million people.
Jos Cooper, who co-ordinated the research, said 10 800 respondents were randomly selected and interviewed face-to face.