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?
Personally, it is difficult to think of Youth Month and not think of the musical “Sarafina”, a show on how communal trauma felt and experienced shook systems to the ground. A consistent reminder of UBUNTU and communal success. I am challenged to constantly reject the growing cancer of selfish ambition and growth.
Academically, it’s a call to interrogate how our educational institutions are shaping young minds and young academics. As someone grounded in research and scholarship, I see Youth Month as a prompt to explore questions like: Are our young people equipped enough to carry the baton, or have we not made it worth their while? Are we decolonizing curricula in meaningful ways? Are we making higher education accessible, relevant, and contextual to the lived realities of South African youth?
As a young South African, Youth Month is both a celebration of how far we’ve come and a challenge to continue. A reminder of the sacrifices that preceded our educational success. An opportunity to reflect on our responsibility and contribution to society, considering how we contribute to the “gray area” struggle, where discrimination and black skin-related red tape still exist. There are challenges that still confront us: unemployment, poor education, mental health crises, gender-based violence, and unequal access to resources. It’s a reminder that our freedom is incomplete until all young people can thrive, not just survive.
2. What impact do you hope your NIHSS supported research will have on society or your field?
Impact on Society
My hope is that my work helps amplify the voices of communities (especially of marginalized communities), whether due to health conditions, social inequalities, trauma, or systemic neglect. I want my research to foster healing, reduce stigma, educate and empower communities, and inform policy change and practice. I hope my work inspires more young people to further pursue their studies and goals.
Impact on the Field
Academically, I hope my research work contributes to a more inclusive and context-sensitive health promotion and social psychology. I wish to push the boundaries of engaged scholarship, where research is not just for publication, but for practical, participatory change. In addition, I hope to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating psychology with public health, education, and the arts, to address complex human issues more holistically.