EDITORIAL

IS THE SPIRIT OF JUNE 16 STILL ALIVE?

BY RAFAEL ARMADA | EDITOR

SOUTH AFRICA dedicated the month of June to Youth, in grateful remembrance of those who offered their lives for the cause of righteousness and justice, in Soweto, on 16 June 1976. Nearly 50 years since those events happened and even with democracy in place, young people in the country, in many respects, experience difficult circumstances such as unemployment, drug abuse, materialism and other types of oppression.

According to some of them, the spirit of June 16 is still alive; though their revindications have moved to something new. They believe that they are now more equipped to understand their differences and to work towards unity. Youths know how to voice their needs, especially through social media, particularly on issues regarding the environment, and social justice, among others, in which many are particularly active. They consider themselves opinionated to a large extent on many issues and those that are technologically skilled feel they are not easily gullible to hear-say. However, many are still trapped as victims of manipulation and multiple kinds of abuse. Youths feel that they could contribute a lot more to a society which is mainly governed by elders and that often does not gives them the deserved role and space. They claim they need to be trusted and to be allowed to show their rich capabilities.

Indeed, the youth have a great amount of energy, generous dreams, talent and flexibility, all necessary qualities in a dynamic and inter-relational world. They can improve society in many ways, especially through collaboration and networking. Many believe they would be able to uproot corruption, improve social services and channel their creative energies into the betterment of society. Facing challenges such as unemployment, some, unfortunately, get discouraged; however, others take the initiative to create their own little enterprises.

Adults need to listen to the youth; support them and strengthen them through their experience. Adult supporters can play a crucial role in assisting the youth, especially teenagers. The Church needs to be a place for them to discover their identity, based on being made in the image of God, being unconditionally accepted and loved by Him and belonging to a family, which in many cases might be their only structured point of reference. The youth need the guidance, comfort and spiritual upliftment which the Church can offer to them.

As Pope Francis states in his letter to the youth, Christus Vivit (CV), “Jesus himself eternally young wants to give us hearts that are ever young…of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience” (Col 3:12). Youth need a heart capable of loving, whereas everything that separates us from others makes the soul grow old.” (CV13); and in CV 15 the Pope also warns us all, with the words of Apostle Paul to Timothy: “Let no one despise your youth” (1 Tim 4:12).

Pope Francis instituted the Day of Grandparents and Elders which is celebrated worldwide on the upcoming Sunday 23 July. Their experience of life—like of those who were youngsters, on 16 June 1976—may become a source of inspiration, encouragement and wisdom for the youth of South Africa today.