By Michelle Hammann
Every student at the North-West University (NWU) is helping to shape the future of our country. During Youth Month, we shift our focus to the youth of 1976, who helped fight for equal and inclusive education. They continue to inspire the youth of today to strive for a better future.
Tshepo Tlaka, the NWU Eagles Varsity Cup player of 2026, said that Youth Month has a significant meaning for him.
“It is a very special month because it is a reminder of the people who fought for the education we are getting right now. It is a privilege to have the experience to just study here,” he said.
Quinn Claasen, studying for an honours degree in Theology, said that Youth Month is about empowering young people so that they can believe in themselves and realise that they are not victims of their circumstances.
“They can choose what they want for their lives to be successful. If you have commitment, the sky is the limit,” he said.
He is confident about his future career in theology and about entering the workforce.
“I believe that with God’s help and grace all things are possible if I am willing to take the first step,” he said.
Ricardo Fourie, the NWU Eagles FNB Forward that Rocks for 2026, said that Youth Month helps him to feel more secure about high unemployment rates.
“The NWU helps me to know that I have a higher chance of securing a job with my qualification, and having the support to stand up for myself as a young person also means a lot,” he said.
Ricardo’s expectations for his future career include helping the younger generation to reach their dreams of playing professional rugby.
“I want to play the best that I can to secure a rugby contract for my future,” he said.
Corli Windell, a Bachelor of Education (Foundation Phase) student, stated that Youth Month reminds her of the sacrifices that young people had to make for equal education in South Africa.
“As a lady at the NWU, events like gender-awareness week make me feel safer walking on campus. I want to become the best teacher I can be for little kids to shape their futures,” she said.
Rouwan Mitchell, the NWU Eagles Varsity Cup Player of 2026, said that Youth Month should remind the youth that they determine their own future.
“We should remember how powerful the youth are and that the future is in our hands. It is a month of empowerment for the youth.”
For his future career, he wants to help other players develop professionally.
“Just like my coach helped me develop as a player – I want to do the same.”
Jaco Fourie, a Bachelor of Education (SP and FET) student, stated that the NWU helped him as a young person to broaden his own skills by getting to know students from different faculties and aspects of life.
“Everyone is so interconnected, which makes it so much better to study here. Do not come here thinking that you will not fit in. I promise you, you will find your people. It is just a matter of time.”
This Youth Month, we encourage you to support our youth at the NWU who need financial support and can use your help to shape their future careers. You can donate now towards the We Care Bursary Fund.
Jaco Fourie, “Just be yourself. Do not come here thinking that you won’t fit in. I promise you, you’ll find your people. It’s just a matter of time.
Ricardo Fourie, “Go to class, study hard. Enjoy every moment. You might be here for two or six years but make it memorable.”
Tshepo Tlaka, “You’re far from family and everything that you know as normal, so just pace yourself. Enjoy the time you have here. Take the connections and relationships you’re building with you.”
Rouwan Mitchell, “Have fun. Life is not that serious but know when to have fun and when to be serious. Enjoy your time at the NWU, you only have a few years.”
Quinn Claasen, “The first thing is discipline. Be consistent. Have respect for yourself and for others. You need to have perseverance.”
Corli Windell, “Say yes to everything. Grab every opportunity with both hands. You are only a student once. Make mistakes, just don’t be scared to take on new adventures.”
