The National Youth Day commemorates the year 2023, marking 47 years since the 1976 Student Uprising. On 16 June 1976, more than 20 000 pupils from Soweto began a protest march. In the wake of clashes with the police, and the violence that happened, approximately 700 hundred people, many of them youths, were killed and property was destroyed.
Therefore, this day serves as a reminder of the need to invest in young people, to provide them with the education and skills they need to succeed and to give them a voice in society. This is particularly important in South Africa, where youth unemployment is a major issue. Notably, according to Statistics SA (2023), the current youth unemployment rate stands at a concerning 46,5% in the first quarter of 2023 highlighting the urgent need to offer the youth meaningful support.
Young people make up South Africa’s largest population (making up 37% of the population), which makes them a driving force for change, and as such, it's important that they have access to tangible resources in order to develop their skills, pursue their passions, and advance their careers. These resources can take many different forms, including educational opportunities, equipment, useful electronics, access to technology, and financial support, just to name a few.
Rentoza believes that one of the most important tangible resources that young people need is access to the latest technology and electronics. By gaining access to electronics such as laptops, phones, and Wifi routers, young people can put to use the knowledge and skills they already possess to achieve their goals.
Young individuals need a variety of resources for success, including not only tangible assets like money and property, but also social, emotional, and educational resources. Access to financial resources is crucial for young people, as it can help them pay for education and healthcare and start their own businesses.
However, low-income youth may struggle to access these resources, making it essential for policymakers to prioritize reducing inequality and providing more opportunities for financial access. Access to mentors, role models, and social networks are important social resources for young people. Supportive people can help youth feel a sense of belonging, build confidence, and develop new skills.
In addition to education, young people also need access to mentorship programs. These programs provide them with guidance and support from experienced professionals in their field. This can help them navigate the challenges of starting a career and provide them with valuable insight into the industry they're interested in.
Access to technology is also critical for young people. In today's digital age, technology plays a crucial role in almost every aspect of our lives, from communication to entertainment to work. By having access to technology, young people can learn new skills, connect with others, and carry out their different passions.
Young people can develop self-assurance and autonomy through the use of resources that aid learning and permit hands-on exploration of individual interests. Tangible resources are crucial for young people's learning and growth and can be an investment in their future success.
As an artist or musician, the right tools and equipment are crucial for success. Without them, creating standout work can be difficult. Similarly, as a videographer or photographer, if you lack a camera, your work will be restricted and prevent you from advancing.
However, even though this day celebrates all young people, currently not all young people in SA have equal opportunities and resources. South Africa has a lot of youth development programs both from the private and public sector, but they don’t provide young people with tangible resources to boost their ideas. It is a region of entrepreneurs and engineers, students and scholars, farmers and future leaders who need tangible resources to boost their ideas. Generally, Youth empowerment is a key theme of Youth Day June 16. And that’s why at Rentoza, we aim to empower the youth through meaningful connections that help them to fulfill their highest potential – and most importantly upgrade their passions.
Rentoza allows easy and affordable access to the latest electronics products and appliances via flexible monthly subscriptions, catering to the passions of young people. For so many young South Africans, a device like a Macbook air seems unattainable, even though it is the tool of choice for aspiring designers and artists. But, as a young person you can subscribe to Apple devices through Rentoza at a fraction of the cost, and we know that life has its uncertainty so we also cover you for theft loss and damage through Rentoza Care.
We want to ensure that the product is always in your hands so that you can be productive and drive progress for yourself and those around you. Whether you need to shoot content using the iPhone 14 Pro Max as a YouTuber or use music mixing software on a MacBook Air as a musical producer. Rentoza caters to all these dynamic passions by giving easy, affordable access to subscriptions.
We also know that a lot of the youth don't have a credit record. That’s why we built a non-credit access model for the youth. We’re changing the way you access products permanently.
