Introduction

This book is about the post-apartheid youth of South Africa. Its point of departure is the experiences of youth during the 1976 so-called Soweto uprising, the event that changed the political dynamic of the struggle against the apartheid regime. This singular event in the country’s history thrust the youth into the social and political centre stage as the conscience of the nation. One manifestation of the centrality of youth in this society is the fact that they have become the subject of both academic and popular discourse in the country. In fact, the adoption of one of the most liberal constitutions in the world and efforts to reconstruct the country are all measures that have sought to provide equal opportunity to all citizens, especially, youth, in the areas of education, health, family life, employment, etc.