In honour of Youth Month, the National Institute for Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS) proudly presents the Beyond 76 Series: Youth Knowledge in Motion. This series celebrates the bold research, critical thought, and visionary work of Master’s and Doctoral graduates under the age of 35. These dynamic young scholars are reshaping South Africa and the continent through transformative ideas and scholarship. Their work echoes the courage of the youth of 1976 and carries forward a legacy of change, justice, and economic emancipation. Join us as we spotlight the next generation of changemakers in the Humanities and Social Sciences.

1. In 2025, what does Youth Month mean to you — personally, academically, or as a young South African?

For me, Youth Month 2025 is not just about commemorating the past; it’s about carrying its fire forward. As a young Black woman from the Eastern Cape, I carry the hopes of both my ancestors and future generations. Personally, this month reminds me that my journey, from a rural village to earning a PhD, is part of a larger story of resilience, defiance, and purpose.

Academically, Youth Month is a space to affirm that African voices, ideas, and experiences matter. My research, sponsored by NIHSS, explored the cultural and social dimensions of violence within the Umguyo traditional ceremony. It is rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems not to romanticise culture, but to question, preserve, and transform it in ways that are safe, empowering, and just.

2. What impact do you hope your NIHSS supported research will have on society or your field?

My hope is that this work creates space for open conversations, especially among young people, about tradition, identity, and healing. I want my research to help us understand how cultural pride and social justice can co-exist. I want it to remind us that change does not always mean abandoning who we are but reimagining what we can become.

As South Africa confronts rising youth unemployment, gender-based violence, and fractured communities, I believe research like mine can guide us toward community-based, culturally sensitive solutions. I want it to empower youth from rural areas, elevate the value of Indigenous knowledge, and challenge us to think critically about what we inherit and what we pass on.

In memory of 1976, and in the spirit of Ubuntu, I remain committed to using knowledge as a tool for transformation.