We are the future: Youth narratives on prospects in a democratic South Africa

Abstract

The study presents an investigation into perceptions of white and black South African youth regarding the future of the country as well as their own prospects. The qualitative research design involved five focus group discussions conducted from 2014 to 2016. White and black participants revealed love for and dedication to the country. Black participants in particular indicated an appreciation of democracy and the freedom they enjoyed in the new dispensation and beliefs that they could bring about change through voting. All groups voiced however dissatisfaction and even despair and fatalism due to the political problems the country was experiencing and the overall stagnation and/or deterioration of conditions. Whereas some white participants felt that they had no future in South Africa and intended to emigrate, participants of both groups voiced hope that they themselves could make a difference. Comparisons with previous research lead to conclusions regarding current conditions in a democratic South Africa and the role of the youth.