One could not begin to talk about the ‘Jub-Jub drag racing incident' in Soweto without first condemning it as reckless and unnecessary behavior, and also passing condolences and well-wishes to the family of the deceased learners and those who were injured. But sadly, such expressions become the predictable and monotonous reaction, and ultimately inhibit us from expanding on the various issues at hand. In fact, we become so incredibly naïve and assume a million droning words would do away with the problem.
My point of departure is that ‘youth culture' is not a personality disorder, and should not be dealt with as such. On the contrary, it defines our society as a social construct and the manner in which young people respond to it.
Young people in South Africa, particularly the black youth, have a history which has always demanded upon them to become rough and radical in order to gain recognition within the broader society. Nelson Mandela was one such young man during his early days of political life. He called and advocated for militant and radical proposals as a means to fighting apartheid.
The youth of 1976 were not different either. They took to the streets, burnt schools, blocked roads, and confronted the apartheid security police. It was the only means available to them if they were to be heard and taken serious.
In an essay titled ‘Youth and politics in the democratic Society', ANC National Research coordinator, Michaels Sachs, notes that "the ‘Kwaito generation', while obviously not as politicised as the youth of the 1970s and 80s, are highly conscious of their identity as black people living in a society that has not yet achieved non-racialism, and they are generally sympathetic to the project of progressive transformation. But in the context where politics ignores and excludes the youth, new generations have sought other means to express energy..." (Umrabulo 23)
Professor Robin Kelly (University of Southern California; Cultural studies), refers to ‘Afrocentric versus ‘Ghettocentric' politics within black youth culture. From the ‘Afrocentric' perspective, race and political identity are reconstituted in ways that acknowledge and celebrate Africa [and reject] white supremacist ideas of black identity and adopt African styles [through dress codes, hairstyles (locks, afro. twist)]. Rather than focusing on African culture, the ‘Ghettocentric' calls attention to "life in the hood", economic struggles, celebrate "the block" etc. (Dr Shawn Ginwright; 2006)
Today In SA, Julius Malema reflects the ideological orientation of the ‘Afrocentric' culture. When we attack and seek to demonise him as a person, we are not really addressing the core issues involved in his manner of social outlook. The kwaito and hip-hop stars like Zola, Mandoza, Jub-Jub, Mo Molemi and others, reflect the ‘Ghettocentric' orientation of youth culture. They also need to be supported and guided, in order for them to become the shining beacons of the society.
Therefore, drag racing and other reckless and dangerous forms of youth culture are just a new means in which the youth of today seek to express their energy. Had there been no fatal accident, Jub-Jub would probably have been celebrated by the young people of Soweto for his daredevil antics. These acts of recklessness - dangerous as they may be - are just an immediate and available avenue for recognition and respect, particularly among the black youth.
It is rather presumptuous on the part of the society, to assume that we will always agree with the manner in which the youth behave, in their battle to gain recognition. Instead, we need to be conscious that our guidance and will to directly engage the broader challenges faced by the youth is of paramount importance.
Molemo ‘Jub-Jub' Maarohanye is a popular hip-hop star, but surely we cannot assume that being famous is as big as he wants to get. Like many other young black people in SA, in Africa and all over the world, he probably has a desire to be recognised globally as one of the ‘greatest Black men' the world has ever seen. Mohammed Ali also wanted to be ‘the greatest' and so does Julius Malema.
The history of slavery and oppression places such a desire in the heart of every young black person, regardless of whether they are conscious or unconscious about it. Until we stop alienating the youth and labeling them "ungrateful beneficiaries of the liberation struggle", not much will change. It is up to the society to consciously and deliberately open various spaces for expression, and thus heal the young people of tomorrow.
Setumo Stone is a writer, social commentator and youth activist
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