It is quiet humbling to hear the ages of these superb soccer athletes. Many are really late age teenagers, as defined by theories on youth. One sees the capabilities of our youth through the skill, physical and mental ability of these young men. I guess one of the reasons I admire these youth is that they had to give up a lot of fun to get to be on the world stage. Youth is  a time of experimenting - and too many of our South African youth fall between the cracks of experimentation and never get to perform at their peak.

I was there, of course, 34 years ago, on the steps of University of Witwatersrand, when the police arrived to tear gas us "whities" who were protesting. We were merely youth with a purpose. I, like so many other white South African youth was so protected from the truth that I had no real sense at the time what I was actually protesting against. I guess that is one reason why I am so opinionated now and protest, way beyond my youthful days:)

The question that comes up for me every year on Youth Day is what are the issues, the struggles that the youth have today compared to my day, my parents day? Have we advanced in understanding youth better? Issues disturbingly remain the same- they have to as youth will hormonally always experience the same thrust and desires and confusions. Despite medical advancements, the oral contraceptive being the most impressive one , teens still have unintended pregnancies. They still struggle with their parents , with depression, drugs and alcohol.

Technology remains parents' major competitor. Parents need to parent youth differently. It is just too dangerous NOT to speak about sexuality and love, and relationships. Your children will die today. Either by violence, drunken driving or unprotected sexual intercourse. You may try protect them by enforcing religion on to them, guilt or shame. Youth will be youth and will experiment. Be a parent, serve your child well, educate them . Do not deny them this basic right. And do not merely hand out a condom and think this is parenting. That is irresponsible and harmful.

Join Redi and I tomorrow at 11am for an exciting and intriguing radio show!

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