I was privileged recently to attend a performance of the Ndlovu Youth Choir. What a stunning show it was which entranced a full-house at the Artscape Theatre in Cape Town. All the the members of the choir, which was formed in 2009, come from a small village, Elandsdoorn, in the Moutse district of Limpopo South Africa. Achieving prominence after their participation in the America’s Got Talent (AGT) television show, they have performed across South Africa and in many countries around the world, most recently at New York’s famed, Carnegie Hall. The story of the choir is an inspirational and well documented one which I will not repeat, but their performance at the Artscape six years after they burst onto the international scene remained as fresh, remarkable and inspirational as ever.
Sitting in that theatre I was struck by the power that for these young people, who have triumphed over adversity, have to inspire others. None of them had the many advantages that those living in affluent communities take for granted. These young people did not feel entitled to their success but rather seized an opportunity given to them to rise above poverty through hard work and commitment. Their success achieved through hard work is a beacon of hope and inspiration for others in this country that anything is possible. What their story emphasises is that given opportunity there are many in this country who have the ability to change the current pessimistic view that many have of South Africa. The challenge for South Africa is how to unleash that power and optimism of youth.
There is a lesson for all of us in their example. A lesson for those in the corridors of power that their role should be to provide an environment in which others can succeed, not through handouts, but by rewarding those prepared to enthusiastically grasp the opportunities that this will provide. No-one is entitled to success but similarly no-one should be denied the opportunity to succeed by the fact that they lack the opportunity. The desperation of people lacking another manner of survival has been vividly illustrated by the sad story of men driven to risk their lives, often exploited by criminal groups, in disused mine shafts lured by the possibility of earning enough to support their families. Recent events following police actions to halt this illegal mining has brought home both this desperation and the gravity of rampant unemployment in the countries of Southern Africa.
Economic growth is created by those with an entrepreneurial spirit to start enterprises that create wealth. While a social safety net is an essential component of a caring society, this safety net cannot be expected to support a significant portion of the population. Government employment, while benefiting those privileged to be in that position and justified if providing essential services, cannot be the long term solution to the rampant unemployment in this country. As a short-term strategy a massive public works program, as seen in the United States during the 1930’s, to address key infrastructure can be a justified intervention. But those programs must contribute to an enabling environment that allows the growth of sectors of the economy that in themselves will provide the further economic opportunities. A public works program of this nature must utilise the scarce national resources to the maximum benefit of the country and not be siphoned off for the benefit of a privileged few.
Government has a key role to ensure an effective education system that enables the youth to obtain the skills needed to access the world of work. Whilst the pass rates of school leavers makes the news in January each year, the desire to raise the percentage pass rate should not lead to a reduction of the threshold to achieve this to a depressing 30% where it currently stands or the avoidance of subjects with high failure rates such as mathematics and science. Similarly ensuring safe spaces and habitation in which people live and quality health care are a responsibility of government and contribute to an environment that promotes economic growth.
Government cannot be a self-serving bureaucracy that constrains rather than promotes growth. Government cannot be an end in itself but position itself as an enabler of progress. Government should provide young people with opportunities that I am sure many, like those who are members of the Ndlovu Youth Choir have done, will grasp with enthusiasm and take this country to a more prosperous future. Inspired by the young people on the Artscape stage and what they have achieved it is possible to believe that anything is possible!
I am reminded of the lyrics from a Bob Dylan song1;
Come senators, congressmenPlease heed the callDon’t stand in the doorwayDon’t block up the hallFor he that gets hurtWill be he who has stalledThe battle outside ragin’Will soon shake your windowsAnd rattle your wallsFor the times they are a-changin’
Those elected to serve, those who gathered in their finery to attend the recent State of the Nation Address, should truly heed that call. As a 76 year-old I realise that the future lies with the young and the inspirational performance of the Ndlovu Youth Choir convinced me that if those occupying the corridors of power understand that call, the future of South Africa could be very bright!
