Ruiters

Young people need direct opportunities in SA

With International Women’s Day celebrated in March, we sat down with Euzelle Ruiters, a community activist in the Eastern Cape Province.

Ruiters is a Democratic Alliance (DA) Young Leader Alumna and a community activist who supports the DA in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in the Eastern Cape. The province continues to face development and service delivery challenges, and many within the DA are working to strengthen infrastructure and restore dignity to communities across the region.

She entered the political arena at a young age, driven by her curiosity and desire to bring meaningful change to her community, which is affected by poverty and crime.

“My interest in politics and leadership developed at a young age through my involvement in community initiatives and student spaces. I come from a community where people struggle daily, a community affected by gangsterism and substance abuse, where opportunities for young people have often been limited,” she explains.

Ruiters believes that political participation is one pathway to advancing positive change, which motivated her to join the DA. “As young people, we should not only talk about change but also take an active role in creating it for our communities.”

Today, Ruiters serves as a voice for her community. “A core part of my responsibilities involves service delivery and community liaison. I play an active role in community engagement and in escalating concerns, ensuring that the community’s voices are heard and represented.”

Young people and politics

On why young people should become involved in politics, Ruiters says young people bring fresh perspectives that can help shape new social and political dynamics.

“Politics shapes the future of our communities, and it is important for young people to be part of these conversations. As young leaders, we also have a responsibility to educate and encourage other young people about the importance of active participation in politics and in the discussions that shape our society.”

Young South Africans continue to face challenges in accessing opportunities and employment. For Ruiters, this is one of the key issues that must be addressed.

“I would like to see a South Africa where young people have direct access to opportunities. More specifically in the Eastern Cape, I would like to see the unemployment rate decrease from the current 42.5% and for more jobs to become available to the people of the province.

“Young job seekers should not become discouraged while looking for employment. We need to create an environment where opportunities are both available and accessible.”

Voter apathy

As South Africa prepares for its local government elections this year, voter apathy remains one of the major reasons many young people do not participate in voting.

Ruiters believes young South Africans have a critical role to play. “We need to educate and encourage as many young people as possible to register and go out to vote on election day. Voting is one of the most powerful ways to influence the future of our communities and to drive real, visible change.

“The future of South Africa belongs to young people, and we can no longer remain passive observers of decisions that will affect our lives and our futures.”