South Africa: Digital Access Still Out of Reach for Most Youth

Celebrating International Youth Day is challenging when many young South Africans still face significant barriers to digital accessibility. Inadequate connectivity hampers their ability to engage fully in economic and social opportunities. However, there are promising avenues for both government and private sector efforts to accelerate connectivity improvements and enhance youth development.

The year 2024 will be remembered not only for the ANC’s historic loss of its majority in South Africa but also for the dismantling of the myth of youth apathy. Leading up to the 2024 elections, a notable shift occurred as young content creators on platforms like TikTok began to simplify and demystify political developments. This movement highlighted a growing engagement among young people, who leveraged social media to make complex political issues more accessible and relevant.

While voting is a crucial civic duty, it is not a panacea for the broader socioeconomic challenges that young people face. Youth unemployment remains a critical issue, with the number of job seekers aged 15 to 35 who have been unemployed for over a year increasing by 10% between 2014 and 2024. This underscores the need for solutions that extend beyond electoral cycles to address systemic issues affecting young people.

TikTok has emerged as a vital platform for many young South Africans, where content creators play a crucial role in bridging the gap between complex political issues and their peers. These creators are not only translating political jargon into engaging, relatable content but are also promoting political education and active citizenship. Their efforts help demystify political processes and encourage young people to participate actively in their communities and advocate for change.

Content creators like Dan Corder and Mashnotpotatoes have made significant contributions by gaining national media exposure and highlighting critical issues such as spatial inequality. Their work exemplifies the power of digital platforms to address and spotlight the lived experiences of young people. By drawing attention to these issues, they advocate for meaningful changes that resonate with the realities of their audience.

To support South Africa’s youth effectively, a concerted effort must be made to improve digital connectivity across the country. Enhancing access to technology and digital resources is not just about providing tools, but also about creating opportunities for young people to engage more actively in their socio-political environment.

Improved digital connectivity will enable young South Africans to navigate and influence various aspects of their lives more effectively. It will facilitate access to educational resources, job opportunities, and platforms for civic participation. This can lead to increased political engagement and advocacy, as young people will be better equipped to understand and participate in political processes, as well as to voice their concerns and ideas.

Moreover, better digital access will support economic development by opening doors to entrepreneurial ventures and remote work opportunities, which are essential in a rapidly evolving job market. It will also foster greater innovation and creativity among the youth, allowing them to contribute more substantially to the economy.

By investing in digital infrastructure and ensuring that technology reaches all corners of society, South Africa can empower its young population to play a more active role in shaping their future. This will not only benefit the youth but also drive broader societal progress, leading to a more inclusive and dynamic nation.