n 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.
- In 2025, what does Youth Month mean to you — personally, academically, or as a young South African?
Youth Month reminds me that inclusion is ongoing, and as a young South African with a disability, I’m driven to help build accessible media that reflects our diversity.
- What impact do you hope your NIHSS supported research will have on society or your field?
As a young South African woman with a disability, Youth Month reminds me that inclusion is not a destination but a continuous commitment. My experiences with hearing loss and navigating inaccessible spaces have deeply shaped my personal and academic journey. Through my NIHSS-supported research on captioning in the South African television industry, I hope it contributes to shifting the media landscape toward one that actively considers the needs of all audiences, particularly persons with disabilities. While legislation and awareness around accessibility are improving, there remains a gap between policy and practice. By highlighting both the technical and cultural dimensions of captioning, I hope to influence industry standards, production training, and policymaking. On a societal level, I want the research to help normalise accessible content and reduce the stigma around disability. For young South Africans with hearing loss especially those who rarely see themselves reflected in mainstream media I hope it provides visibility and validation. I also hope to inspire broadcasters, producers, and government stakeholders to see accessibility not as a legal requirement alone, but as a creative and ethical imperative. Ultimately, the goal is to promote a media culture that is truly democratic, where no one is left unheard or unseen.