A debate for change

By Sharon Mathabatha

State of the union (SOTU) coalition in conjunction with Show me your number (SMYN) hosted a public debate recently at Central Johannesburg College, Alexandra campus. This was to reflect on what is holding Africa back with the emphasis on the youth.

The aim of the debate was to raise public awareness on what needs to be done to accelerate positive change in the continent. Issues discussed included instability and human rights, health systems in crisis, the role of African countries and the role of the youth.

SOTU is a coalition of Pan-African organisation working in 10 African countries to track implementation of AU decisions at the national level and to inform, empower and mobilize citizens to hold their government accountable on promises they make and SMYU is a non-governmental organisation that uses sport generally and football specifically to promote HIV prevention and behaviour change.

Students were motivated and encouraged to take control of their lives and to work towards bringing change in the African continent. “Who do you think is going to change the circumstances of your country or community other than yourself? Do you think a young person is going to come from America and say I have come to Africa to change the lives of Africans? That will never happen. it is all up to you to bring change in your continent and country.” said Pan-African director, Janah Ncube. The panel included former Cameroonian Soccer Star Patrick Mboma, SANAC civil society Deputy Chairperson Prudence Mabele, Pan-African Director- Oxfam Janah Ncube, UJ Lecturer Chris Fortium and two students from Minerva High School, Lerato Kganyago and Thembelihle Mathenjwa who discussed the importance of youth development in Africa. Mthetho Tshemese from the Eastern Cape facilitated the debate.