I'm privileged and underprivileged

By Mfundo Radebe

So, here’s the thing: I’m privileged; I’m under-privileged. As a grade 12 student at one of those affluent private schools which people complain reflect “privilege”, I believe I have had an incredible vantage point towards the social dynamics of our country. I’m not privileged economically per se; I’m just a township boy from Umlazi who has been given the chance to attend a “good school” thanks to being academically gifted. It has allowed me the privilege of being able to interact with people from completely juxtaposed environments.

While I have friends who are conflicted in choosing between London and New York for their June holidays, I come home to neighbours who will knock at our door just to get some sugar or rice. I haven’t really considered this a conflict of identity as much as I have been able to use this predicament to understand the different societies. I have seen that there are fulfilling aspects to living in or interacting with both societies. While being a child that can drive a Porsche to school (there aren’t that many) may seem like ultimate satisfaction and affords you many opportunities (I certainly respect my friends who use their privilege to the benefit of the world, however you interpret that), the kid who can barely afford bus or taxi fare to go to school may actually have a strong spirit of hard work that will help him to realise his dreams.

You see, my state of transition that occurs every afternoon when I travel from Umhlanga to Umlazi is one of reflection not on the perceived lack of privilege I truly face, but of how privileged I am that I am able to control where my future takes me. Our educational system does not reflect one that is really up to changing South Africa’s future and affording many young people with that option.

Not many people have the advantage of receiving a world-class education as I do, with teachers who care. Not many children go to schools where teachers ask if “you’ll be safe” when there is a taxi strike. I would like to know for how long that will be the case. For how long will other children be deprived of the opportunity to break the bonds of poverty? Nelson Mandela clearly articulated the power that an education affords one and so I stumble when I realise why there is no emphasis on the uplifting of schools, especially in townships. I shouldn’t have to travel more than 40km to receive a world-class education.

Let us work towards creating schools conducive to learning and growing capable youth. The future of the country depends on it.

On a side note, this is to my teachers: Thank you for constantly inspiring me, challenging my views, and for believing that I’m the next president of the country. I hope that one day every South African child can be exposed to encouraging environments, and believe that the future truly lies in their hands.

Mfundo Radebe is a grade 12 student at Crawford College La Lucia.