Open Letter to the Youth of North West: How Long Must We Keep On Waiting?

Dear Young People of North West,

On the eve of Youth Day, I find myself reflecting not only on the bravery of the young people of 1976, but also on the conversations I have had with young people across our province in recent weeks.

At the weekend, I spent time speaking to young people in Mahikeng. I had honest, one-on-one conversations with them about their lives, their struggles, and their hopes for the future of North West. What I heard troubled me deeply.

I met North West University graduates who cannot find work despite years of study and sacrifice. I met young people who are told they need experience, yet no one is willing to give them an opportunity. I spoke to aspiring entrepreneurs who are hungry to contribute to the economy but face endless obstacles. I listened to young people who feel they have done everything society asked of them, yet remain locked out of opportunity.

What troubles me most is that hopelessness is slowly becoming the norm in the streets of North West. 

We are raising a generation that is told to work hard, get an education, and stay out of trouble, only to discover that there are no jobs waiting for them, too few internships available to them, and too little support from those entrusted with building their future. 

Just a few months ago, in his State of the Province Address, the Premier outlined initiatives that were said to create thousands of jobs for young people. Yet many young people are still waiting to see these promises translate into real opportunities on the ground.

But unemployment is not the only crisis facing our generation.

Every week seems to bring another headline that reminds us how vulnerable our communities have become. We recently mourned the tragic death of a seven-year-old child who allegedly died after consuming snacks purchased from a local spaza shop owned by an illegal foreign national. Families continue to grieve the brutal killings of Thato Molosankwe and Masego Mosweu. These are not just news stories. They are reminders that behind every headline is a family whose life has been changed forever.

At the same time, many communities continue to endure unreliable water supply, deteriorating roads, failing infrastructure and limited economic opportunities. Young people are expected to build a future in communities where the basics are increasingly uncertain.

The uncomfortable truth is that these challenges are not inevitable. They are the result of leadership failures, poor governance, weak accountability, and years of promises that have not translated into meaningful change.

For too long, young people have been told to be patient. Patient while unemployment rises. Patient while opportunities disappear. Patient while communities become less safe. Patient while those in power move from one promise to the next without being held accountable for the last.

Youth Day should not only be about remembering the bravery of 1976. It should also be about confronting the reality of 2026. Too many young people in North West feel less hopeful about their future today than their parents did at the same age.

That should concern all of us.

The young people of 1976 refused to accept the future that was handed to them. They organised, they spoke out, and they demanded change. Their struggle was different from ours, but the lesson remains the same: meaningful change only happens when young people refuse to remain silent.

As we honour their legacy, we must ask ourselves a difficult question: How many more young people must be failed before we demand better from those who lead us?

I believe North West can do better.

I believe young people deserve real opportunities, safe communities, quality services, and leaders who are accountable not only during election campaigns, but every day they hold office.

Most importantly, I believe that young people have the power to shape the future of this province.

That is why I urge every young person to register to vote, participate, and make their voice heard. Do not surrender your future to apathy. Do not allow others to decide your future for you.

If we do not fight for our future, who will?

And if not now, when?

The future of North West belongs to its young people. Let us claim it.

Yours in service,

Pulane Morgan

ActionSA Infrastructure: Proposes private-sector partnerships to fix Eskom and Transnet.