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By Akani Nkuna
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has urged young leaders in the Representative Council of Learners (RCL) to step up and help champion issues in their communities, saying they have a huge responsibility to help uproot social ills beyond the confines of school walls.
“You are not just leaders in your schools, but you are leaders who reside in communities. Whether you serve in the junior council, the RCL or lead projects in your areas, you are already showing that young people are not waiting to lead, they are not leaders of tomorrow, but they lead exactly where they are today,” said Gwarube.
“Our communities face big challenges, climate change, poverty, hunger, drug abuse, gangsterism, unemployment and you may be saying I am just a child what can I possibly do? There are things that you too can do, because I see young people across South Africa rising to the challenge.”
Gwarube was addressing recently elected members of the RCL at the Johannesburg City Council in Braamfontein, marking the end of a three-day annual National Learner Leadership Summit. The young leaders participated in discussions focused on key challenges facing the learners, with guidance from senior government officials, educators and policymakers.
The minister highlighted instances where ordinary young people were making positive changes in their communities using formal and informal channels. She said this went a long way in fostering a culture of youth engagement and participation in building communities.
“[Young people] are tutoring their peers, they are cleaning their riverbanks, they are planting food gardens, organising events, creating awareness around GBV. Young people are moving and are shaking and they are saying we are here and not just an afterthought.”
Gwarube encouraged the leaders to be steadfast in championing action against discrimination and gender-based violence in schools, warning against complicit behaviour which enabled schools to be environments where others were victimised.
“See something, say something. Be the reason someone feels safe at school. Say no to people who are keen to bully others. As learner leaders you help shape the culture of the schools, you have the power to shape the learning environment in your schools,” she added.
In light of the decline of young people casting their votes, Gwarube invited the leaders to participate in the democratic processes of the country to shape a better future.
The minister pointed out that politics affected every aspect of their lives and, therefore, it was wise that they participated.
“I am talking about the politics of casting your vote and being active citizens who are really engaged in the work of saying we are going to shape the country that we want to live in. I want to encourage you to say that continue having that spirit of active citizenry,” she said.
“Because it is only when young people are taking true accountability for the country that we have, that we will start to see things change.”
INSIDE EDUCATION