this is solely coming from a south african teenager who's no longer living in south africa. i will write this from my own perspective just so you know.
Explanation:
PLEASE READ BEFORE CONTINUING:
This is coming solely from my own perspective of south Africa and I how ultimately imagine teenagers to behave like/what they would typically do!!!
Being a teenager in South Africa is quite stressful but exciting. You have got so much ahead of you, really. From all the countless possibilities of hanging out with friends, all the way to pursuing your dream career. South Africa is undeniably a beautiful diverse place to thrive. Diversity is everywhere, with millions of people from all ethnicities. In all honesty, it is one of the best places for teenagers of all ages to grow and become their best selves.
Firstly, starting with its precious traditions and cultures, teenagers are able to understand the rich backgrounds of which people from all over come from. It truly helps teenagers understand how multicultural the country is, which would aid them for the real world. Already having this prior experience will make sure that the teenagers are prepped for when they become adults, going into the big world. Secondly, teenagers are practically somewhat free when it comes to living in south Africa. They have got the youthful freedom of doing what they want to before they soon grow old. However, despite the abundant freedom given, crime will always be prevalent in the country, so no matter where you go there will always be something. It is never nothing. When I was growing up in south Africa, I was not allowed to go anywhere, especially at night alone or more specifically walk anywhere without parental or guardian supervision. Someone always had to be there, or else the next minute I could be kidnapped, drugged, raped, or any foreseeable offenses. It is utterly destressing to think that it could easily happen to anyone if not cautious. I cannot fathom how important it is to perpetually stay wary of your whereabouts.
Although there are a handful of demeaning exceptions, south Africa is just such a wonderful nation to call home. For example, the plentiful of attractions is one big driver of the country’s economy. In cape town, you have got Table Mountain, which is essentially as it is in its name; a flat mountain that looks like a table when covered with small tips of snow or clouds. Many teenagers, including myself have found this site to be one of a kind with its spontaneous views. Nearby is the Victoria and Alfred waterfront, most commonly known as the V&A waterfront. The huge waterfront attracts bustling crowds including those of teens. You would expect to see teenagers of all different ages hanging out with their friends or simply going to visit the area. Moving on, Johannesburg holds one of the UNESCO world heritage sites, The Cradle of Humankind. This perplexing heritage site holds presumably one of south Africa’s greatest features of evolution and its natural history. Teens can visit the site to learn about their evolution. When I first walked in, I found the whole structure unnerving, but I faced what I feared and continued on the journey. In the end, I found it insightful and a good way to spend your holidays to the neighbouring cities.
Overall, teenagers have a lot ahead of them in south Africa but given the amount of crime and danger within the community, it is safe to assume that teenagers might not be able to live out their full lives as they would have hoped to. Gathering all my evidence, I cannot admit that being a teenager in south Africa is great however there are quite a few exceptions. Teens will just need to make sure to stray away from anything uncanny and most importantly try and live their youthful lives before it is too late when south Africa is practically on the verge of collapsing.
