Engaging in social justice is key for youth

ALTHOUGH my journey with social justice began in primary school under the labels of “outreach” and “charity drives”, I only came to understand its depth at university.

- LIAM GILLESEN

While charity and community outreach fall under the umbrella of social justice, the concept is much more expansive at its core. It is about finding sustainable ways to ensure all people have equal rights and access to basic resources. Social justice is far more personal than charity. It involves putting yourself in the shoes of those whose rights you are fighting for - feeling what others feel and being personally invested in their stories.

To mark Youth Day on Monday, this piece explores the question: “Why should young people in South Africa be social justice champions?”.

It can only really be answered by asking a crucial preliminary question: “How much do you love South Africa?”. We are struggling as a nation because of a lack of social justice. With a failing State, the heavy burden of achieving it rests on ordinary people and businesses.

Social justice simply says that everyone should get the bare minimum - food, housing, education and economic opportunities, among other rights to get a fair shot at life.