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Give it up for the kids
03/09/2008 12:23 - (SA)
Chris Roper
Who knew. It appears that not all kids are verminous, sulky little brats who need a kick up the backside to get them going. And not all kids are self-obsessed, bling-hungry rats whose only aim is to get some token "eddication" and jump on the BEE bandwagon like their uncle Julius.
Well, I ask "who knew". The answer, of course, is the hundreds of fantastic teachers and lecturers who fight every day to give children the luxury to be able to think instead of react, and the ability to create their futures instead of just sitting around hoping they have one.
Dylan, one such educator (and someone whom I'm proud to have taught at university myself), has sent me an open letter, written by fifteen young people from "five diverse schools in the Western Cape (two township schools, a private school and one very diverse former Model-C school)."
The fifteen were taking part in a seminar called "facing the past - transforming our future." It's part of a programme "which aims to support History teachers to use the case-studies of apartheid and Nazi Germany and the Holocaust to explore human behaviour and help young people to better understand the moral choices they make today."
Voices heard
The letter goes on to say that "the learners spent some time looking at the recent threats on our judiciary. The fifteen learners together came up with an open letter to make their voices heard against these attacks and what they saw as threats to our democracy.
"
Much of their inspiration to take a stand arose out of their discussion that afternoon with Denis Goldberg, who as I am sure you already know, along with Nelson Mandela, was sentenced to four life terms in prison at Rivonia and spent 22 years in jail for taking a stand in support of human rights and democracy."
At this point, before I present you with an excerpt from the students' open letter, I want you to think of the "youth" that's top of mind for most people in the last few months, ANC Youth League president Julius "Mad Enema" Malema. Dylan tells me that one of the incentives for the high school learners' open letter was that "We have not heard young people speak up against those who are claiming to speak on behalf of the youth of South Africa."
Well, looks like that's changing, so Julius, better watch your back, baby. To quote from aKing's Dutch Courage (great band, go check out a video now, "Keep your hands off the children, they're fighting for air/Dig a grave and mourn about your culture instead/There's a holy train coming and it's leaving you here.")
Change
Not so sure about the "holy train" bit, but hell, it's better than the damn gravy train. Here are excerpts from the open letter.
"We, as youth of South Africa, are disturbed and concerned by recent events in our country and wish to make our voices heard that we will not tolerate violations of human rights and threats to our fragile democracy."
And: "We are also deeply troubled by recent threats raised against the judiciary and our constitution. An independent judiciary is a crucial part of what holds our democracy together and prevents us from descending into dictatorship. We condemn anyone who speak of violence toward the upholders of justice and democracy in this country."
Here's the bit I love, although I'm sure Julius Malema uses the same justification for his Kill for Zuma outbursts. "We reserve the right to raise our opinions against any political leader and speak out. This freedom of speech is what our heroes fought and died to give us and we will not be scared of using it."
Rainbow roster
The letter is signed by the following students, and I'm going to list all their names, because it's an almost ludicrous Rainbow Roster. In fact, I phoned to check that Dylan hadn't just made them up, like some Human Rights Spice Girls. Especially since one appears to be the lead singer for The Usual, and I know he must be at least as old as Uncle Julius.
They are Yanga Maxongo, Dominique Dryding, James Stewart, Cindy Damons, Nontando Mahote, Amoré Visser, Vuyani Ngangqu, Sakhile Khuzwayo, Sibusiseko Maseko, Lee Shacksnovis, Yandisa Velem, Zola Nyamela, Soala Amabeoku, Robert Atwell, Thomas Lytwynchuk.
I have to say, I love living in a place where Amore, Yanga, Sibusiseko and, uh, Thomas, can all work together on the same letter. At the same time, I hope the League of Fifteen are ready for the challenges they're going to face. You're going to be called race traitors, elitist, and worse. If alienating you doesn't work, they'll start offering you heavy discounts on Mercs and lovely kickbacks on selling ships.
But integrity is something that can be taught, and even if it's too late to teach it to the current crop of young political lickspittles, I'm happy to see that some of the next generation is being primed.
Read the full open letter here - it's worth it.
Chris Roper is editor-in-chief of 24.com. Visit his blog on chrisroper.co.za. No pressure.
Send your comments to Chris.
Disclaimer: News24 encourages freedom of speech and the expression of diverse views. The views of columnists published on News24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of News24. News24 editors reserve the right to edit or delete any and all comments received.
- News24
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Well done!
03/09/2008 12:41
to all 15 of you for standing up & letting your voices be heard. I salute you!
These are the people that our country desperately needs! VIVA!!! - Werner |
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Now that's what true transformation is about!
03/09/2008 12:48
Chris, thanks for this awesome piece of enlightenment. Great to see someone taking active steps to sustaining real transformation in a visible manner in our country, and this Dylan chap deserves a standing ovation. And you can take some vicarious pleasure in having added to his overall enlightenment - we'll give you that. :-) - Big Al |
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Back 2 school?
03/09/2008 13:00
Am I the only one who saw Chris mention 5 schools, but only have 4 in his list? - Greg |
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Just when .........
03/09/2008 13:12
I had almost given up on this country, until these awesome kids gave me new hope for our future! Well done for standing up for what you believe in :-) - LP |
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Good stuff
03/09/2008 13:16
This is great to hear, we need a more proactive youth rather than the middle aged guys whose positions in youth leagues are only intended as a step towards future political power. - Some Bloke |
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Refreshing
03/09/2008 13:17
A sunny day just got sunnier.
- niels |
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Chris
03/09/2008 13:30
Firstly, let us be clear bout one thing: Malema is not a "youth".Second, sorry, but if you were to ask those kids shy an independent judiciary is good for democracy, I doubt you'd get an answer.Is this a conclusion they arrived at through independent analysis or becasue their parents/teachers drummed it into them? Only time will tell how well that generation turns out. Me, I'm setting my expectations low. - VG |
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Congratulations students
03/09/2008 13:32
Great initiative by the students. I just wish Mr van Wyk, Thomas's father was willing to write letters with Mr Khuzwayo two centuries ago. Then we wouldnt be congratulating something so long overdue. I bet you Sibusiseko was hoping for this letter-writting since primary school, and the day has finally come. - bee |
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Chris
03/09/2008 13:34
Firstly, let us be clear bout one thing: Malema is not a "youth".Second, sorry, but if you were to ask those kids shy an independent judiciary is good for democracy, I doubt you'd get an answer.Is this a conclusion they arrived at through independent analysis or becasue their parents/teachers drummed it into them? Only time will tell how well that generation turns out. Me, I'm setting my expectations low. - VG |
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Hope for the future
03/09/2008 13:35
For the first time in months I feel there may be hope for our beleaguered country. Well said, League of Fifteen. Please stick to your principles; SA needs you. - angie |
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So the saying goes
03/09/2008 13:38
Hire a teen while they know everything. Well done for being a league of your own. - Shan |
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Thanks Chris
03/09/2008 13:53
This makes me proud to be a South African, and it gives me definate hope for the future of this country! Always positive, always SA! - KS |
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Nice one
03/09/2008 13:55
Chris congrads on an excellent and uplifting article, it sure makes me glad when I hear about stuff like this and makes me re-think my decision to leave SA. If more of the youth have these views then SA will be in safe hands going into the future. bee what are you on bout, who is Mr van Wyk???? - huh? |
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Youth of today
03/09/2008 13:59
I teach a Sunday School class of gr 11's, and experience similar feelings of hope for the future! There are amazing kids out there. It's up to adults to create the best environment for them to realise their potential. Which includes not writing erroneous comments about history: Mandela & co were not put in prison for "taking a stand for democracy". They were sent to jail for planning to use violence to overthrow the government, amongst others. Violence is wrong for Julius, as it was for Mandela. - KoosS |
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come on VG
03/09/2008 14:07
I'm sure these kids know exactly why an independent judiciary is necessary. It's not exactly a difficult question to answer. Why the insistence on doom and gloom? Some kids do something cool, and you want to blow them off? That's just mean. - Chris Roper |
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taking a stand, koos
03/09/2008 14:38
Koos - I think you are missing the point. Mandela, Denis Goldeberg and thousands of others were put in jail because they were fighting against a government that arrested and killed people who opposed giving equality and freedom to ALL South Africans - there freedoms that you and your family had then. Ii is interesting that you find it's ok to condemn the violence used by he resister but not the violence used by the oppressor- that is the apartheid government, Koos, in case it wasn't clear. - dylan |
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The avrage 15 year old
03/09/2008 14:40
The average 15 year old in this country are not at all concern with the judiciary or aware of the threads against it - they more into iPods PSPs the opposite sex and stuff like that. I do not know of any 15 year old who have had sleepless nights worrying about the independence of our judiciary or understand what it is - and I am sure they do not even know who the Vice Precedent of South Africa is - please ask them for me Chris. This level of political conciseness do not exist amongst our youth of today and I believe that the facts were spoon-fed to the learners and is not a result of there own conciseness of what is happening in RSA - colin |
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Colin, get a life man.
03/09/2008 14:58
Of course not all teens care about this. I'm sure the majority are just like adults, into soccer, chicks and tjops. The point is that there are still some who are special, and who can actually spell. Your stated belief says more about what you want your reality to be, than about the reality of the kids I'm writing about here. - Chris Roper |
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Keep on keeping on...
03/09/2008 15:03
Beautiful. As a citizen living in the new SA almost longer than the old one(yeah I'm still that young :-) ), I believe the older generation should leave the youth alone to think and contemplate for themselves(not without guidance, without intimidation). debate with us, not at us. We(youth and non-youth) all have equal experience at being free... As a "mid-breed"(26) I still foresee 2 generations more, before inspirational leaders will/can govern this Country. but will be keeping on it... - Citizen in Pain |
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Jimi summed it up pretty well
03/09/2008 15:04
"When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace" - JIMI HENDRIX - Citizen in Pain |
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underestimating the youth
03/09/2008 15:05
Colin - you will be happy to know that you are underestimating where some young people are at. These learners were not spoon fed. They have been engaging with issues like these for a while now in their classrooms because their History teachers are deliberately getting them to think about the lessons they have learnt from the past and how these help them understand what's happening today. These young people are thinking critically, not being spoon-fed. - dylan |
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@vg and colin
03/09/2008 15:22
These kids have what you are so clearly missing - an education and the ability to rationalise and intellectualise - the PURPOSE of a good education. The drivel you spew is clearly as a result of indoctrination and not education. Given the state of Africa, Heaven knows that Africa does not need more indoctrination but more free thinking educated individuals. Thank goodness my parents were exiled in Britain and I had the benefit of a first world education!! - johnson |
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Great story, as usual Chris
03/09/2008 15:26
It is very heartening that the next generation of SA holds these views and can think so clearly. However, perhaps YOU need to go back to school to learn to count, as you mention that the learners came from 5 diverse schools,two township schools, a private school and one very diverse former Model-C school, which by my reckoning, only makes FOUR!! - Rodders |
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Wow!!
03/09/2008 15:27
This letter brought my mind, current thoughts and all to a sudden stand still. Being in the middle of scenarios of corporal punishment still given to kids - aged 9 - too scared to defend themselves. Kids ROCK! - Candice |
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well
03/09/2008 15:27
Well, Sibusiseko is only 15, so hopefully he wasn't hoping since primary school to write this letter... Since 1994 interaction between black and white were a lot more regular, and he grew up without experiencing apartheid. Most of the kids I know are very positive for the future. The ones that aren't, are the ones being brainwashed by their parents, either whites telling their kids the racist government won't allow it, or blacks telling their kids only whites prosper, etc. - Chantelle |
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Colin
03/09/2008 15:33
Are you speaking from experience? I think you'd be surprised - John Camp |
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Good effort
03/09/2008 15:34
What a nice thing the kids did. Pity the politicians who should read it will not. If they do they will ignor it anyway, it came from the public, not from influencial people who could help them get onto the gravy train. I do applaud them and hope that it is the beginning of something good for SA. - Metallica Man |
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A real feel-good message
03/09/2008 15:35
Thank you Chris, and thank you to the pupils. Not even the cynical commenters can spoil it. - Jaco Wium |
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Choo-choo! Open wide. ;)
03/09/2008 15:35
Yes, it's possible they were being spoon-fed, but it's good that this alternative message gets out. Cause while I am 25 - which still feels like youth although it might not qualify :) - I find it hard to believe that the youth of this country care to take up arms for a politician, with politics being such a popular subject amoung youth and all. :P It's clear that 'spoonfeeding' happens both ends, perhaps cause we as adults always think we know what's best? It's time to sit back and LISTEN instead - Ste\/\/art |
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Chris & Johnson
03/09/2008 15:41
*sigh* so you really think these kids just spontaneously came up with this idea? why would they? Puh-leeze. At that age, a lot of your opinions are as a result of your home environment and your parents beliefs - not necessarily your own. Frankly I'm tired of this "judiciary under attack" rubbish. And Johnson, speaking of "bile" - its a bit like the pot calling the kettle black isn't it? so much for you "first world education"! - VG |
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Facinating topic
03/09/2008 15:53
Having had a bunch of kids all past their teens now, I think Colin has a very good point. Having said that it is the responsibility of parents to teach kids to interact and express themselves in a positive and respectful way, even if the opinion is negative. After all, children learn what they live. Well done to the Super 15!! - Avril |
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@johnson
03/09/2008 15:57
You can take your British silver spoon upbringing and stuff it up you know where. Firstly I was not borne with a silver spoon in my mouth and had to work hard to get my education, my background is a very poor one but I am very proud of were I am coming from. I paid for my own tertiary education via loans and bursaries and today I have an international recognized DEGREE in commerce and have a professional qualification in Accountancy which is also international recognized - that is what you call education. No freebees for this boy. - colin |
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Five, four...
03/09/2008 16:02
I'm just quoting from the mail, don't shoot the messenger! I could change it, I guess, but hey..... Anyway, I'm counting democratically. 1+1 can equal a LOT of voters, mysteriously. - Chris Roper |
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Great uplifting story!
03/09/2008 16:14
I agree that not all teenagers are idiots who only care about the latest fashions and their own little worlds. Even in my days there were the few students who stood out because they would think differently, and were usually made out to be nerds :-) In this case though, its a sign that there is hope yet for SA, and looking at the mixed race teen crowds at shopping malls, I would like to think 2 generarions down the line we'll be truly democratice and racism a long forgotten ugliness. - TTBoy |
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THANK YOU...
03/09/2008 16:15
Dylan - Tammy |
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Chris
03/09/2008 16:16
.." the kids spent time looking at the recent threats on our judiciary". Its simply taken as fact that there were serious attacks on the judiciary -and it worries me that this view may been presented to these kids as fact. Thats all. if your opinion is that there were attacks on judicial independence, fine - but was there even debate around that issue? I doubt it. That to me is indoctrination - VG |
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Clarification
03/09/2008 16:35
Just to clear a couple things up. The 5th school was an affluent all-boys state school, and Sibu is a she. Thanks for publishing this Chris! and Yes, these learners really are just as amazing as they seem! - Intern blessed to be a witness |
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Actions speak louder than words
03/09/2008 19:11
Chris, a nice inspiring article and I do believe that there are many more youngsters that feel the same way. Unfortunately youths like "mad enema" tend to do quite a bit more than "write letters" and this is what makes me worry. I have watched many interviews with intelligent and educated youth from Zim but I haven't seen them achieve anything. - Oiltrash |
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WOW...
03/09/2008 19:35
I really love the word lickspittle...Great column! This is 15...do we hear another 1500000 voices in the dark screaming against the powers that be??? HEAR HEAR! - Henry Hopkins |
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@Colin
03/09/2008 19:48
All that education and no hope, shame! - ADB |
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To Dylan
03/09/2008 19:50
When it was popular to be politically right, I wasn't as right as everybody else, now that it is popular to be left, I am not as left as everybody else. Read my post, I never condoned Nat violence, just as I do not condone ANC racism at the moment. War doesn't determine who is right, only who is left. The NATS and the ANC/UDF/COSATU came out of the struggle equally dirty. We are still picking the sour fruits of "Civil disobedience", and "no education before liberation" - KoosS |
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Further Clarification
03/09/2008 19:55
Just to say, my name is Sibusisiwe, not Sibusiseko. I am a girl and I find it highly offensive that people would generally assume that someone with an opinion would obviously be a man. Secondly, I would like to say on behalf of the 'Super 15' that all our thoughts and judgements are our own, not spoonfed to us but thought through. We were all different and had conflicting views yet we all knew what the most important responsibility of our democracy is: to uphold and protect our Constitution. - Sibu |
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Don't stess Sibusisiwe
03/09/2008 22:01
I bet most people regarded the wrong name Sibusiseko as male so it was not negative against girls. I personally think that girls can in fact be even more logical with a strong opinion than boys. Well done. (Chris - I can offer them a free domain, website and hosting) - Frank Coetzee |
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To all the pessimists condemning SA:
03/09/2008 22:22
The Super 15 is a real reflection of the youth of SA, not Enema Malema, Vavi Luvi,or any other ANCYL or Cosatu nitwit trying to shine his way into the next cabinet. Viva Super 15, Chris and Dylan! - Lize Freislich |
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Ag lekker man!
03/09/2008 23:20
Thanks for this bit of good news. Good luck to the super teens, I sincerely hope there are many more like you out there. - Thea Potgieter |
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Chill
04/09/2008 00:31
I think the name thing was probably just a mistake, not an attack on your honour. - B |
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15 schoolgoers
04/09/2008 07:10
I teach three of the schoolgoers who wrote this letter. I know they are not brainwashed. I know they are concerned and I know they are very much aware of what a 'free judiciary' is and very concerned about it. Don't for a moment think that they and their peers are not concerned, aware and very intelligent and well read young people. They may tell those who seem negative a thing or two about having hope in this country. Three generations away from 1990 and we will be a far greater community. - Geoff Olivier |
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@Sibu
04/09/2008 08:45
Well said! As the Super 15 you have managed to intially and in your clarification cut through to the meat without chasing those red herrings which seems to be alot of what some of the responders are caught up in. Keep your eye on the ball! - Bonita |
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Response by History teacher
04/09/2008 08:47
I am privileged to work with young girls who are genuinely interested in making a difference and who are motivated to become informed. Studying History as part of the new curriculum is vital to equip pupils fully as to their rights and responsibilities in a modern democracy. Please don't underestimate their ability to question recent events that reflect intolerance and a lack of respect for human rights.They make me proud! - Sue |
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