Youth Day podcast highlights South Africa’s growing economic inequality
The first episode of Radio Workshop’s latest podcast entitled, “I will not grow old here”, will be available for streaming and download on June 16th, coinciding with the commemoration of National Youth Day in South Africa. Mary-Ann Nobele, a 23-year old resident of Alexandria (Alex), a township located next to Sandton, Johannesburg chronicles her daily life throughout a three-part series, providing listeners with a unique glimpse into her current reality.
She also examines the complex, but often compelling, reasons why she is not amongst the 70% of Alex youth who are unemployed. The Radio Workshop podcast was launched in 2021 by the Children’s Radio Foundation, an organisation that trains youth across Africa as radio reporters, and aims to tell intimate and layered stories about a broad range of youth experiences across the continent.
“I will not grow old here” comprises in-depth interviews with Mary-Ann’s family and friends, and poses difficult questions around how youth are expected to succeed in “a place like Alex”, and why the lead character so badly wants to leave the township.
Mental health amongst youth is also discussed, with emphasis being placed on the lack of access to professional help and resources, and how young people are increasingly choosing to work for companies who prioritise employee well-being.
“People always talk about youth being the future as if we are people in the making – we are people now,” says Mary-Ann Nobele, who in addition to being a dynamic radio reporter, also works at NGO, Gun Free South Africa. “Youth in Alex could easily get a low wage job, but we know there is more to life and our resolve is clearer than ever.
We want a space that pays the bills but also makes us content. Toxic environments, depression and anxiety in return for money are no longer worth it. What’s more, youth want jobs that will provide a solid foundation for the careers they actually want to pursue.”
Episodes also place a spotlight on the “invisible line” between wealth and poverty, aptly illustrated by the main road that separates Alex and the affluent suburb of Sandton. Adds Mary-Ann, “We all had hope that post-democracy, focus would be placed on improving townships.
Sadly, conditions remain the same; people are still struggling, still being sheltered by corrugated iron and still have no water or plumbing. My goal is that this podcast accurately depicts how the majority of our population live, and raises awareness about why we need to invest in our youth now – there is no question that we as South African citizens deserve so much more.”
Keen to hear more about Mary-Ann’s story? Find us on Spotify to ensure you don’t miss out on the first episode. Celebrate the rest of Youth Month with episode 2, which will be available on June 23rd, and the series conclusion, which will be uploaded on June 30th.
In the meantime listen to the trailer here to get your fix.
Connect with the Children’s Radio Foundation on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, SoundCloud or vimeo.
Connect with the Radio Workshop on Spotify
By: Children’s Radio Foundation
