South Africa’s youth face a complex reality, caught between the promises of a democratic future and the harshness of present socio-economic challenges. Many young people today feel deeply disillusioned and are disengaged from democratic processes. Persistent inequality, unemployment, violence, and the erosion of collective values have led to a growing sense of detachment from the systems meant to empower them. While young people increasingly turn inward—prioritising personal advancement through entrepreneurship, social media, and self-improvement—the tenuous connection between the individual

About the author

Danielle Hoffmeester is Project Leader in the Sustained Dialogues Programme, based at the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation.

Pages: 10
Date of publication: 2025