“Engaging in opportunities presented by institutions, both academic and non-academic, are invaluable in creating learning opportunities for youth,” says Robert May (20), chairperson of House Humanities in the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Faculty of Humanities. He tells us more about how youth should take advantage of every opportunity without allowing fear to limit them.

Tell us a bit about your background.

I would describe my background as diverse, especially in the sense of my family life. I have seven siblings and am part of a multiracial family. I attended three schools while growing up: I went to Boksburg until Grade 8, then I spent two years at St John’s College before finishing my final two years of schooling at Woodlands International College.

I’ve always been interested in entrepreneurship and I plan to further my entrepreneurial ambitions after I complete my studies. I have taken on many leadership opportunities, both in and out of school, in order to ensure that I adequately prepare for my future and allow myself to grow in the various aspects of leadership.

What does Youth Month mean to you?

It is a time for the youth of South Africa to be recognised for their achievements, and serves as a reminder that youth must be listened to and included as equals in all aspects of South African life. Youth Month is a symbol for allowing young South Africans to share their views with the larger community to pave the way for innovation. It is a result of the events of the Soweto uprising, when young people were forced into a system they had no say in. Therefore, Youth Month represents the need for young people to have a firm say in South African society in order to ensure their participation and success.

How does Youth Month bring about unity?

As a result of Youth Month, South African youth are seen as equals and as an important aspect of society. Young people become unified because Youth Month is a time when all youth, irrespective of their identity, are united in the need for representation and with broader society because they have more representation.

What makes young people employable?

South Africa is a developing nation and has shortfalls in terms of unemployment, especially youth unemployment. In order to differentiate themselves and push past adversity, young people must prioritise their ability to innovate, and not try to add to the current system but better it. They should also create their own businesses and opportunities; through entrepreneurship, youth better their own lives as well as the lives of all South Africans by the ability to create jobs and further opportunities for growth.

I’m a firm believer in constantly learning. Any skills I pick up along the way will help me in my future career. I plan to go into a business setting that will require a great deal of teamwork and leadership skills, which I have gained through my role as House Humanities chairperson. However, I also think that there are some skills that are taken for granted; these include people skills, public speaking skills, decision-making skills, time management skills and many more. Skills of all kinds are invaluable in moulding people in a holistic manner and preparing them for any kind of future career.

What should young people do to improve their skills? 

They should get out of their comfort zones. Complacency is the killer of success and young people need to be willing to learn in order to become adaptable and successful members of society. Engaging in opportunities presented by institutions, both academic and non-academic, are invaluable in creating learning opportunities for youth. They should take advantage of each and every opportunity without allowing fear to limit them.

How do Youth Month celebrations promote nation building? 

Although there is stress in South Africa and conflict in various parts of our society, the common goal is to create a better South Africa for future generations. Youth are a symbol of renewal. They can create a shelter under which all South Africans can unify and move forward as one nation.

How do you interpret UP’s slogan “Make Today Matter”?

It means that I should not let fear limit me from bettering myself and creating greater opportunities for my future. I’ve often let fear prevent me from getting out of my comfort zone, and gaining new experiences and skills. However, since I joined UP, I’ve made an effort to try everything I have been presented with to ensure that I create a holistic education for myself, which will make me stand out among my peers. I pushed past shyness and insecurity, and this has led to me becoming a leader at UP.

“Make Today Matter” is a promise to myself that I will do everything in my power to take advantage of opportunities and learn as much as possible in the short time that I have at the University.