Youth memorandum
Biography and Purpose of the Youth Memorandum Walk
Pen sam is a concerned South African youth activist embarking on a sym bolic walk to Cape Town to deliver a Youth Memorandum that speaks directly to fairness, accountability, and the future of young people in the country. This journey represents both protest and purpose — a call for laws that reflect justice for ordinary citizens, especially the youth.
At the heart of this memorandum are three key demands:
Firstly, the introduction of mandatory paternity testing after birth. This is rooted in the belief that every man has the right to know whether he is the biological father of a child. Establishing paternity as a legal standard promotes truth, accountability, and fairness in parental responsibility.
Secondly, the call for a defined retirement age for politicians. While ordinary South Africans are expected to retire at 60, many political leaders continue in power far beyond that age. This memorandum argues for equal standards, leadership renewal, and opportunities for younger generations to participate in governance.
Thirdly, the proposal to increase the official youth age from 35 to 38 years. In a challenging economic environment where opportunities are limited, extending the youth bracket allows more young people to access support, programs, and policies designed to uplift them.
Through this walk and memorandum, Pen aims to amplify the voice of young South Africans, challenge existing inequalities, and advocate for practical reforms that promote fairness, transparency, and inclusion.