By Chol Peter Majoh
Where is the future that we have been told we are destined to lead?
Unlike the future of an individual, as young people, we must understand what lies ahead for our nation. It is a misconception to think that no one is aware of the future that awaits us in South Sudan. Is there truly nothing visible regarding the future that is in store for us? If you are uncertain, I invite you to join me in exploring this matter.
From my perspective, I see no promising future. What future can we expect when oil is being sold prematurely? What future exists when the current administration incurs debts that will burden us, the future generations? Where is the future when there is no preservation of resources for the days to come? When goals are achieved through illegal mining? When oil revenues are squandered? When there are no infrastructures for us to inherit? Where is the future that we, the youth, are purported to lead?
What future can we anticipate if our universities lack funding? The questions persist. I must emphasize that there is no future to look forward to. What lies ahead is a burden of debt, violence, nepotism, tribalism, corruption, and poverty that we must confront. A decade has passed since independence, yet the state capitals remain unconnected to the national capital by paved roads. The situation is even more dire when considering the connections from payams to counties and from counties to states, which may take up to 50 years to resolve if the current government continues on its present course.
Let us address the issue of youth employment. It is virtually nonexistent! Government jobs are often awarded based on nepotism, tribalism, and connections. The private sector mirrors this reality. Foreign investors are exploiting our resources under the watch of the government. Honestly, can we envision a future for the youth who are said to be the leaders of tomorrow?
To me, the future appears blurry and unclear. It is shrouded in fog, darkness, uncertainty, and fear. Contrary to our expectations, there seems to be little hope for the future. Amidst all the uncertainties that lie ahead, one unfortunate truth remains: we continue to allow ourselves to be exploited at our own expense.
Despite the narrative that we are the architects of tomorrow, we find ourselves grappling with a reality that feels more like a burden than a promise. The dreams we were sold as children—of a prosperous, thriving nation where our voices matter and our contributions are valued—seem to be fading into the background, overshadowed by the harsh realities of our present circumstances.
As we stand at this crossroads, it is crucial for us to confront these challenges head-on. We must ask ourselves: What kind of future do we want to create? What steps can we take to reclaim our narrative and ensure that we are not merely passive observers of our fate, but active participants in shaping it?
We must begin by demanding accountability from our leaders. It is not enough to accept the status quo; we must challenge the systems that perpetuate corruption and mismanagement. We need to advocate for transparency in government dealings, especially regarding our natural resources. The wealth generated from our land should be reinvested into our communities, into education, healthcare, and infrastructure that will benefit all citizens, not just a select few.
It wasn’t that long when president pleaded that, “when you have squandered some money, bring it back and I will see whether or not I would spare you a little for the wellbeing of your children”. It’s true that some people have misused funds, public fund for their own good. This is true. I have something to say about that. Here’s what I would like to suggest: please used that money to build schools, health facilities, business that will benefit South Sudan in one day or another. In short, invest here in South Sudan. Don’t go to Dubai, Malaysia, Singerpore, Kenya or South Africa. Please, don’t just do that. Invest here. That’s the only way you can compensate us. Anyway, this is now what I am here for. Sorry for taking your mind there. Let’s continue.
Moreover, we must prioritize education and skill development. Our universities should not only be places of learning but also incubators for innovation and entrepreneurship. We need to push for increased funding and support for educational institutions, ensuring that they can provide quality education that equips us with the skills necessary to thrive in a competitive global economy.
Youth employment must also be at the forefront of our agenda. We cannot allow nepotism and tribalism to dictate our opportunities. We must advocate for fair hiring practices and create platforms that empower young people to start their own businesses and pursue their passions. By fostering a culture of entrepreneurship, we can create jobs for ourselves and our peers, breaking the cycle of dependency on government positions that are often out of reach.
Additionally, we must unite as a generation. Our strength lies in our numbers, and by coming together, we can amplify our voices and demand the change we wish to see. We must engage in dialogue, share our ideas, and collaborate on initiatives that promote social justice, equality, and sustainable development.
The future may seem daunting, but it is not beyond our reach. We have the power to redefine our destiny. Let us not be paralyzed by fear or uncertainty; instead, let us channel our energy into action. Together, we can illuminate the path forward, transforming the fog of despair into a clear vision of hope and possibility.
In conclusion, I urge each of us to reflect on his or her role in this journey as a young person. Let’s not be used. Instead, let be youths, yes, youth of impact.