Young Leaders Call for Action - “No More Blue Ticks, It’s Time to Act”

As South Africa celebrates Youth Month, the Hold My Hand campaign is reminding the nation that children and teenagers aren’t just our future: they’re leading the way right now.

In a powerful online event during may that brought together over 200 participants from across the country, young leaders shared their lived realities, frustrations, and clear-eyed visions for a better South Africa. The Hold My Hand webinar wasn’t just a conversation, it was a wake-up call.

Guided by the draft National Strategy to Accelerate Action for Children (NSAAC), Hold My Hand is a growing movement committed to putting children and teens at the heart of change. This youth month, it’s all about letting young voices take the spotlight, and turning their courage into commitments.

As 17-year-old Bontle Motatsa, NSAAC Children and Adolescents Representative, puts it: "Don’t just hear us. Act on what we say. We are tired of being part of discussions that go nowhere."

Keready, the youth-led health movement that’s become a lifeline for thousands, is part of Hold My Hand, and is a platform for teen expression. Via social media and WhatsApp, Keready is showing what happens when campaigns meet young people where they are. “Keready is a real example of what youth-centred communications looks like: immediate, informal, and genuinely helpful,” says Keready Lead Dr Katlego Selikane.

Key Takeaways from the Webinar:

• Break the “blue tick” culture: Youth want more than to be heard. They want action, feedback, and accountability.
• Tackle the real issues: From food insecurity and unsafe environments to the lack of mental health support and employment pathways, these are not side issues; they are the core of what’s holding youth back.
• Amplify voices, not just stories: Media must move beyond tokenism and truly hand over the mic to children and teens.
• Accessibility for all: Especially for young people with disabilities, there’s a desperate need for platforms that include everyone.

This Youth Month, Hold My Hand is doubling down on its call to reimagine how we support, fund, and design programmes for teenagers. This includes challenging harmful norms, like South Africa’s relationship with alcohol, strengthening initiatives that help us to all thrive, and embracing bold new interventions, like those being fast-tracked by the Hold My Hand Accelerator for Children and Teens.

"A teen's outreached hand isn't a plea for help, but an invitation to walk and grow together, leading towards a brighter future" says Gomolemo Pooe, a 17-year-old participant in the Article 12, Web Rangers Programme focusing on digital literacy and empowering young people to promote safe internet use and champion their digital rights.

A Special Call to the Media: Amplify Young Voices

One resounding message was clear. The media must play its part in amplifying the authentic voices of children and teenagers. Too often, stories are told about children, without ever giving them a chance to speak for themselves. As the Hold My Hand community grows, we invite media partners to walk this journey with us. Together, we can help children and teens take their rightful place in the national conversation, shaping the headlines that define their future.

The webinar recording is now available for viewing and sharing: 

https://youtu.be/KbKnX8sUzwQ?si=d81avKM5HW2lRef0