Young South Africans bent on a brighter future for South African cities are taking matters into their own hands! More bicycles, safer spaces and closing the gaps left by the past—meet the urban activists behind the bright plans.
South Africa (19 June, 2023) — Young South Africans are joining forces, coming in hot with big plans for our cities’ futures. Where many might accuse the younger generations of being complacent, the Young Urbanists movement bellows the complete opposite.
Refusing to let sceptic narratives dictate South Africa’s future, a unique non-profit ‘Young Urbanists’ are taking future matters into their own hands in the present; rallying to inspire and empower people to see themselves as change-makers. For them, every day is youth day.
Their focus is all about positive change through brainstorming and positivity, looking at important areas like:
- Ethical city planning and urban design
- Including more voices in conversations about the challenges in urban areas
- Providing safe spaces for students, young professionals and overwhelmed urban practitioners
- Supporting and growing young advocates to implement their development ideas
- Providing resources for research to help the new generation of advocates
In their time of being active, they’ve celebrated many milestones, including formal discussions with Cape Town’s Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis on urban city planning as well as other Mayco members on issues like mobility. They have also hosted festivals and events to help city rebuilders connect and have carved out safe spaces to give students access to resources to further their ideas and research.
Not to mention, they’ve also been a key force in driving ideas toward Cape Town as a bicycle city in efforts toward a cleaner and healthier future!
Beyond the Mother City (where the group are based) they’ve also used turned their efforts toward bettering Johannesburg; especially through their ‘Let’s Ride’ events.
Anyone inspired to can tune in or join the Young Urbanists’ conversations on a safer, cleaner and prouder urban South Africa that holds the youth’s input in high regard. You can check out their page and find out more, here.
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