The Thabo Mbeki Letters – Part 9:  Youths and Inclusive Governance

By Toyin Falola

Cardinal to the development of every state, culture, and group is the inclusion of its youths in national and international affairs. Unfortunately, quite a few leaders often undermine the resourceful contributions that youths can make, assuming they are inexperienced, young, or lack reasonable discretion. Many of these assumptions have been disproven, as they do not reflect the realities of many societies. As much as the youths are liable to demonstrate inexperienced behavior when handling things, today’s world has revealed how eclectic, resourceful, and blessed they are. With unfettered access to multiple cultural resources through the internet, they can successfully navigate where elders might struggle. This poor judgment regarding youth capabilities has contributed to the monumental decline in many countries, leading to insurmountable moral problems associated with the younger generation.

For Thabo Mbeki, such challenges would have been settled by incorporating the younger minds into the most critical areas of national life, allowing them to be involved and gain experience as they grow. Although it is sometimes indisputable that the emotions of the youths often get the better side of them, it is equally the responsibility of more experienced individuals to guide them. Mbeki recounts how the various experiences that dot South African history have become highly accessible to the younger ones, giving them a vivid picture of what characterizes their society. Racism, colorism, and segregation have become so ingrained in South Africa’s culture that they have to be challenged by the oppressed.

It is misleading and dangerous to assume that the youth are unaware of society’s complex issues. This assumption fails to acknowledge how deeply they are in tune with what is ongoing in their society. Mbeki is convinced that the proliferation of racial injustice has created a dangerous environment for people to survive. As the youth become increasingly aware of this reality, they inadvertently risk compromising the integrity of future generations, including their children and even the unborn.

On many occasions, Mbeki has received letters from young people detailing what is happening in their society. There is a common belief that they always have access to current events, not just through newspapers or books introduced to them by their teachers but through firsthand experiences shared by their colleagues. For instance, on one occasion, a letter written by a young student attracted significant public interest as it was about the challenges that racism has brought to the country.

Remarkably, the youth’s psychology is significantly influenced by the activities of the people around them. Every young person has had contact with older individuals at some point, presenting an opportunity for these experienced individuals to make good impressions that can recalibrate their perception of themselves and their environment. Mbeki notes that the general disposition of adults to the young ones would shape their understanding of the country and their potential leadership capabilities when given the opportunity.

It would be disastrous for youths to have a negative perception of their country because not only would that deepen their hatred for the country, but it would also make it difficult, if not entirely impossible, for them to contribute to national progress. In other words, when people harbor resentment toward their country, heritage, or history, they potentially become agents of destabilization and destruction. As such, individuals must consider navigating their existence consciously by being aware of how their actions impact society.

For instance, children and youths who experience trauma, such as rape, often become highly apprehensive about their safety, especially around adults. This traumatic experience causes more than just psychological damage; it leads to a pervasive fear that nearly everyone around them could be a potential predator that they must either distance themselves from or prepare for possible confrontations. Ideally, minors should be under the guidance and protection of adults. Still, when these very individuals maltreat them, they lose their trust and begin to nurse hatred toward their environment. More perniciously, these experiences can perpetuate a cycle of abuse, with the poor and dangerous tradition of passing on such harmful behaviors to future generations.

With this, the environment would be open to damaging actions by those who should naturally protect it. Consequently, it becomes very challenging for society to train people who are morally strong enough to uphold the integrity of their identity. It cannot be overstated that if this mindset persists, it may lead individuals—deprived of proper guidance and exposed to shattering experiences—to become what they once despised. Mbeki, therefore, urges people not to indulge in morally reprehensible behaviors that could negatively alter the perception of the young ones about their country. It is essential to demonstrate a positive attitude toward the youths and assure them they are under the guidance of caring elders who want to see them realize their potential with minimal challenges.

Mbeki notes that if society fails to treat its youth well, the young ones may also not respect the elders properly. Meanwhile, developing good attitudes toward older people is crucial so they do not feel neglected. They deserve to be honored and respected for their experiences and contributions to societal development. Notably, one way to assess the treatment of older individuals, who constitute an essential population segment, is by examining how they are treated in matters such as pensions. In public service, pension payments ensure retirees’ continued relevance and comfort. Many retirees have dependents, such as their grandchildren, who sometimes look up to them for material and monetary gifts. Therefore, when the civil servants in charge of the pension scheme mistreat pensioners without justification, they effectively subject this vulnerable group to undue hardship. Mbeki calls for a change in attitudes regarding this issue because he recognizes the profound impact such treatment can have on society’s collective identity.

Also, women should be placed in significant societal positions through their integration into political and leadership engagements. Their involvement is crucial, allowing them to participate accordingly and make meaningful contributions without prejudice or favoritism. It is evident that when women are well-integrated into the system, they create a good environment where children and youths can thrive, as they always have the power to harness their talents for communal advantages.

Beyond this, youth and children must also be given opportunities where they would be respected and allowed to develop their potential. This can be achieved by protecting them from the myriads of exploitative schemes created by evil people. In the same way, elders should enjoy a decent amount of respect, especially concerning constitutional rights. They should be allowed to express themselves, as they have paid the necessary price and facilitated societal transformation through various contributions at different levels.

Ultimately, everything boils down to leadership. Many of the ideas that Mbeki raises can be institutionalized for the good of the people. Leaders across various political divides must recognize the importance of good governance, achieved by considering diverse perspectives and ensuring that the interests of the masses are adequately addressed.

PS: This is a 12-part series based on the collections edited by Sifiso Mxolisi Ndlovu, titled ANC Today Letters: The Ideas and Thoughts of President Thabo Mbeki, Volume 1, 2001-2004, supplemented by materials in the Thabo Mbeki Museum, UNISA, Pretoria. The series is composed over five weeks in three different countries. The museum’s resources, digitized under 27 categories, can generate over 200 books.