×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Hand-ups not hand-outs is what the youth are crying out for

"I don't believe in charity. I believe in solidarity."

This month, three South Africans made the daring words of late Uruguayan journalist Eduardo Galeano come to life.

Only the hardest of hearts could fail to be moved by the story of Joseph Phukube, a former beggar in Sandton who this month landed himself a job for the first time in his life.

Phukube was able to do this through the help of "good Samaritan" Pam Green, a consultant who spotted the "friendly" young man on a corner that had become his life, with nothing but his CV in hand.

Green posted the stained and wrinkled-looking documents on her social media platforms.

An unusual job application young entrepreneur Thando Khubeka heeded.

It's the soul-stirring connection between these three individuals, who come from different backgrounds, that epitomises the kind of country most young South Africans want to live in.

Young people, irrespective of their circumstances, genuinely prefer a hand-up rather than a hand-out. The fact is the youth want to live in a country that will enable them to prosper, regardless of their background. They not only want to improve their own quality of life, but to advance the lives of others.

This desire is deeply rooted in Galeano's views about charity. Interviewed in 2004, Galeano explained why he didn't believe in throwing money at a problem. He clarified that: "Charity is vertical. It goes from the top to bottom. Solidarity on the other hand is horizontal. It respects the other person."

Green invested in Phukube's life by giving him a platform to advertise his skills. It didn't cost her a cent. Come to think of it, he would still have been on the streets had she given him money and driven away.

Charity helps maintain socioeconomic structures that disadvantage those in need of help in the first place. But solidarity empowers the collective oppressed by destroying impediments that are the cause of many of the ills that they face.

The country stands to learn two important lessons from this story. First, we need to have an ubuntu-inspired approach to deal with our challenges. It's evident that we are playing a losing game when it comes to unemployment.

Youth joblessness has become the new normal. A strategy, totally different from what we are conditioned to, is desperately needed.

For example, a mandatory community service programme for all unemployed young people could help the jobless build their resumés while at the same time making a much-needed difference in their communities.

Such a programme would compel young business owners and civil society to create work opportunities for those in need.

That Phukube received more than 1000 job offers and replies from Green's Facebook post shows that it could work, provided everyone pitches in.

Service learning programmes are criticised because the participants don't get a stipend. Given our challenges, it is more important now to be innovative rather than to proceed with unsuccessful strategies.

Second is the importance of being patient in adversity. Phukube persevered although thousands of cars passed him without stopping. He eventually got his big break.

Young people are unfortunately running out of patience where unemployment is concerned.

In June, Stats SA reported that the number of discouraged young work seekers grew from just over 800000 in 2008 to 1.5million by the first quarter of this year.

Swimming upstream can be difficult but it needs to be done.

Many solutions have come in desperate situations and Phukube's unconventional entry into the job market is proof of that.

Something drastic has to be done. If not, SA will look back 20 years from now, and wish it had been more pioneering when it had the chance.

Without sounding too simplistic about a serious issue, by finding daring ways to sell themselves, young people can attract ample opportunities.

lGumede is a radio talk show host and freelance writer