By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – Learners at Molapo Senior Secondary School in Matshegeng village, Makwane, used a Freedom Month dialogue to confront pressing social challenges, calling for greater youth responsibility, innovation and participation in shaping their future.
The engagement, held on 21 April in the school hall, brought learners face-to-face with issues of education, unemployment, social media safety and equality—topics they say directly affect their generation.
Grade 11 learner Siyabonga Maboea delivered a sharp reflection on the influence of social media, placing responsibility squarely on young users.
“Social media is just a platform without power. We are the ones who make it harmful or empowering,” he said, urging peers to be mindful of their online behaviour and its consequences.
For 17-year-old Bopelo Sello, the discussion was also a moment to reflect on the meaning of freedom in a democratic South Africa.
She described Freedom Day as a reminder of the country’s historic transition in 1994 and the role of Nelson Mandela in securing political liberation.
But it was the issue of unemployment that dominated the conversation, with learners highlighting the urgent need for a shift in mindset.
Malehlohonolo Senooane challenged conventional thinking around career paths, arguing that many young people limit themselves by relying solely on formal employment.
“Youth believe they must follow school and tertiary education to qualify for jobs, but they overlook entrepreneurship as a way to create opportunities for themselves and others,” she said, pointing to the growing crisis in Maluti-a-Phofung.
Learners said the session not only gave them a platform to voice concerns but also pushed them to think critically about their role in addressing community challenges.
The dialogue formed part of Freedom Month activities aimed at strengthening civic awareness and youth engagement.
It was facilitated by officials from the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) municipal outreach programme, and the Department of Social Development.
