Success Capital Organization speaks on International Youth Day
Success Capital Organization’s wake-up call on International Youth Day
For over a decade, Success Capital has been a powerful voice for youth-led change in Botswana. Despite their efforts, the socio-economic landscape for young people remains largely unchanged.
Issues that have plagued generations, from student unrest and exploitative work opportunities to the lack of alternative pathways for out-of-school youth, persist without resolution. This is not just a local problem; it’s a continental one, where African youth are confronted with lost potential and broken promises of democracy
The situation is particularly dire for young people living in conflict zones, such as the genocide and famine in Palestine and Sudan, and imperialist-fueled conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, and the Sahel. These crises are often worsened by anti-rights movements, including the criminalization of LGBTQ+ individuals in contexts where it was never an issue before colonization.
The article makes it clear that international law and multilateralism have consistently failed Black and Brown people worldwide. The erosion of human rights for vulnerable groups has legitimized oppression with little to no consequences. This trend transcends borders, income levels, and forms of government.
The world is seeing geopolitical headwinds that leave communities behind in income distribution, service delivery, and the fulfillment of basic human rights. It’s a sobering thought that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) cannot be achieved without true solidarity, security, and peace.
Botswana’s prosperity is inextricably linked to regional stability and collaboration. This is not just about trade; it’s about a shared commitment to health, education, and human rights in the face of challenges like climate change, migration, and technological shifts.
The article highlights a troubling inconsistency in Botswana’s foreign policy and domestic governance. For example, while the country was decisive in its stance on Mozambique, it has been passive regarding the conflict in the DRC. Domestically, the rule of law is undermined by high levels of impunity for gender-based violence and corruption. The promise of constitutional reform remains unfulfilled, demonstrating a lack of political will.
Although the government tout’s youth as a priority, the African Youth Charter has yet to be ratified. The existing youth policy framework and the Botswana National Youth Council (BNYC) are still under the government’s authority, hindering the independence and meaningful inclusion of young people.
Success Capital argues that if presidential declarations can be made for emergencies like COVID-19 and droughts, they should also be made for pressing issues like gender-based violence and disabilities. These are not hidden problems; the data and media reports are readily available. The organization asserts that young Batswana, without the right name or political connections, are consistently left behind.
Success Capital concludes with a powerful call to action. They will continue to amplify the voices of grassroots communities, using lessons from their European tour to hold the government accountable for its commitments.
With only four harvesting seasons left to achieve the SDGs, they urge a fundamental shift in approach. This requires questioning who is missing from the decision-making table and who is doing the structural work needed to truly change lives.
The organization challenges the government to do better and make generational shifts that ensure the full and meaningful inclusion of all young people, especially those who are rarely invited to participate.
