Previously, we would have heard the youth say, “I want to become a doctor!” or “I want to become a pilot!”. These types of career aspirations are quickly fading as new technologies replace humans in certain jobs. The inevitability of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics that will make millions of people redundant does create more anxiety than optimism for the youth. This threat is more so for youth in South Africa and other developing countries where unemployment and minimal resources are real challenges. Together these will negatively impact our current and future advancement.
South African youths are inundated by various socio-economic issues such as poverty, limited resources, job scarcity and crime. Those issues seemingly dim the light of optimism as the urgency of current affairs overshadow the excitement and potential of a better future. It has become increasingly difficult for youth to decide what future careers to pursue, due to overwhelming questions pertaining to the relevancy of a chosen profession or the issue it addresses right now. Many ask the question, “where do we start.” Some may argue that we should create our own jobs and explore the route of creativity through entrepreneurship, which I do agree with. However, I refuse to look past the fact that, most traditional creative occupations exist outside the domain of “need”. Making them a non-essential service in a country where the majority battle to meet their necessities, seems to be quite the tall order.
As youth, we need to be looking forward to the future, and to be more intentional with the way we approach learning and development for South African youth. The curriculum in schools must be redesigned in such a way that it equips learners with the necessary skills and knowledge to pioneer a better future. The aim should always be to create sustainable career paths and opportunities that will act as the foundation for the development of this nation.
