Why opportunity alone is not enough for South Africa’s students

Suzan Mususumeli Ramudzuli, social investment specialist at Tshikululu Social Investments.

Youth Month is a time to reflect on the aspirations, opportunities, and future of our youth. In June, we celebrate progress, acknowledge challenges, and consider what must be done to ensure that young people realise their full potential.

Over the past three decades, we’ve seen significant investments in expanding access to basic education, improving participation in higher education, and strengthening pathways to employment and economic inclusion. These efforts stem from a shared recognition that South Africa's future depends, in large part, on the success of its young people.

Higher education occupies a particularly important place in this agenda. For many students, a qualification represents far more than academic achievement. It's a gateway to social mobility, economic opportunity, and a promising future.

We’ve made progress toward making promising futures possible, but we cannot ignore the persistent issues threatening to undermine it.