---
title: "‘Our country, our future’ — youth demand urgent changes to SA governance to safeguard the nation"
description: "Tune in for a sizzling State of the Nation Address in 15 minutes ─ not from Parliament but by young adults sitting around a table in Gugulethu: ‘This country is being sold!’, ‘Eskom will work if it has competition!’, ‘The R350 is making the world lazy!’ The scathing but humorous conversation between Litha Macakati, Simamkele Mbusi, Thimna Meta, Zikhona Papiyana, Zubenathi Tsewu, and Asihle Ndaba from the United We Stand dance organisation includes the effects of the Social Relief Distress Grant."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "STREET TALK"
author: "Street Talk"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/streettalk/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-07-13-our-country-our-future-youth-demand-urgent-changes-to-sa-governance-to-safeguard-the-nation/"
published: "2023-07-13T18:32:35"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 180
---

# ‘Our country, our future’ — youth demand urgent changes to SA governance to safeguard the nation

> Tune in for a sizzling State of the Nation Address in 15 minutes ─ not from Parliament but by young adults sitting around a table in Gugulethu: ‘This country is being sold!’, ‘Eskom will work if it has competition!’, ‘The R350 is making the world lazy!’ The scathing but humorous conversation between Litha Macakati, Simamkele Mbusi, Thimna Meta, Zikhona Papiyana, Zubenathi Tsewu, and Asihle Ndaba from the United We Stand dance organisation includes the effects of the Social Relief Distress Grant.

By Street Talk · Published 13 July 2023, 20:32 SAST

## Key points
- Despite South Africa's economic and social challenges, Street Talk TV captures and exposes the real-life stories of people determined to make a change with whatever resources they have.
- South African youth debate how to use a R350 grant in the face of economic and social challenges.
- Street Talk TV captures and exposes the lived realities of people living in South Africa.
- The organisation was launched in 2008 and encourages freedom of speech.
- Visit Street Talk TV for more than 700 searchable films and news.

## Content

The youngsters debate the possibilities and limitations of what one can do with a R350 grant (if one qualifies): buy electricity, save up for a generator, ‘eat’ the money, go drinking, or use it for transport to seek employment. The impact of South Africa’s economic and social challenges and failing infrastructure on them is enormous and although they are in despair some are determined to ‘change my country’.

[YouTube video: "YouTube video"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEd4TyRzEZ0)

This film was produced by Street Talk TV, a ground-breaking television and film series aired weekly on community television and on YouTube. In 15-minute films we capture and expose the lived realities and uncensored views of people living in South Africa.

![Street Talk Logo](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/Street-Talk-Logo-1.jpg)

Street Talk TV, a non-profit organisation, was launched in 2008. For more than 700 searchable films and our latest news, visit us at [www.streettalktv.com](http://www.streettalktv.com), [https://web.facebook.com/StreetTalkSA/](https://web.facebook.com/StreetTalkSA/) & [https://www.youtube.com/@StreetTalkSA](https://www.youtube.com/@StreetTalkSA)

Disclaimer: Street Talk TV encourages freedom of speech and the expression of diverse views. The views of participants who appear in the series - Street Talk TV - are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of the producers. **DM**