Youth Month: The Gen Z perspective unpacked

Gen Z is rewriting the rulebook. In this special Youth Month feature, we dive into the minds of a generation redefining relationships, challenging traditional parenting dynamics, reshaping career ambitions, and prioritising authenticity above all else.

Vuyolwethu Fundam

lifestyle

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The way I handle career, relationships, parenting, and money really comes down to growth, stability, and purpose. I love the idea of creating long-term impact. In my career, I focus on meaningful work, good communication, and helping others grow. In relationships, honesty, support, and putting in mutual effort matter most to me. With money, I spend a lot of time thinking about sustainability, lowering stress, and building a more secure future without losing sight of what needs to happen now. Feeling balanced in all of these aspects keeps my nervous system regulated. I try to make choices that fit my values and the life I’m actually trying to build

Aneeqah Fataar Litskas

For me, it’s about living in abundance, not just in what people see, but in the peace, security and fulfilment felt behind the scenes. Career-wise, I’m driven by independence, purpose and creating generational wealth, not just chasing trends or validation. I want freedom, stability and something meaningful to leave behind. In relationships, peace, loyalty and emotional maturity matter more than appearances. A healthy relationship should feel like partnership, not survival. Parenting completely changed my perspective. It made me more intentional about the environment I create, the values I teach and the legacy I build for my child. And financially, I believe in living well but also being smart . owning, investing, saving and making sure I never fully depend on anyone else for security. Soft life, but with structure.

Gomolemo Hlatshwayo

My approach to career and relationships is shaped by intentionality, self-awareness, and a strong sense of purpose. In my career, I am driven by growth, discipline, and the desire to build a future that reflects both my ambitions and values. I believe in embracing opportunities that challenge me, help me evolve, and bring me closer to the life I envision for myself. In relationships, I value honesty, mutual respect, and genuine connection—surrounding myself with people who inspire growth, offer support, and encourage authenticity. To me, success is not only about achievement, but about creating a balanced and meaningful life grounded in purpose and genuine connection.

Lebohang Ramakau

I am proud Gen Z GirlBoss based in Jhb. My career choices are based on my personal experiences in areas of personal development & creative interests. I always try to freelance on the side due to pursuing my business goals while working as an intern at a company that aligns with my social ethics. How I view relationships is more long-term commitment (although I’m still too young for that) but I prefer more in person conversations & quality time due to how “digital” life can be. Parenting: I actually plan on having kid’s around my early thirties and still want to enjoy my 20’s. I would like to pass down a few things I developed from my upbringing and gentle parenting at the same time to balance processing the whole breaking of generational trauma. Managing Finances: My philosophy on money is “when I spend, I receive.” I believe that living in abundance brings more abundance in your life however, I still think it is important to avoid doom spend.

Kholwa Zandile Nhlapho

My approach to career, parenting, and managing finances is deeply informed by intentionality, creativity, emotional awareness, and long-term growth. As someone working within the creative and film space, storytelling has shaped the way I engage with both people and the world around me. I am passionate about meaningful work that allows me to create, collaborate, and communicate ideas in ways that feel honest, human, and impactful. My experiences as a writer and creative have taught me the importance of adaptability, discipline, and staying connected to purpose while still allowing room for imagination and self-expression. In terms of parenting, I believe in leading with empathy, patience, and emotional safety. I value open communication and creating environments where people feel heard, supported, and free to become who they are without fear or judgment.

I think nurturing confidence, individuality, and kindness is just as important as providing guidance and structure. When it comes to managing finances, I believe in balance and responsibility. While I appreciate beauty, creativity, and experiences that bring joy and inspiration, I also understand the importance of stability, planning, and making thoughtful decisions for the future. I try to approach finances with mindfulness, seeing money not only as a necessity, but also as a tool that can create opportunities, security, and freedom. Overall, I try to approach all areas of my life with care, intentionality, and authenticity. I believe growth happens when we remain open to learning, grounded in our values, and connected to the people and experiences that shape us.

Thapi Semenya

My approach to career, relationships, parenting and finances is deeply informed by resilience, purpose and long-term thinking. Living with chronic illness from a young age taught me that stability, discipline and community matter more than appearances or quick wins. With my career, I’m driven by impact. I want the work I do to mean something beyond titles or recognition. Whether it’s advocacy, communications or campaigns, I’m drawn to work that changes conversations, helps people feel seen and creates real-world outcomes. I also value growth, so I’m intentional about putting myself in rooms that challenge me creatively and professionally. In relationships, I value honesty, consistency and emotional safety. I’ve learned that healthy relationships are built through communication, mutual respect and showing up for people even in small ways. I’m also big on protecting my peace and surrounding myself with people who align with my values and ambitions.

When I think about parenting, I’m guided by the idea of raising emotionally aware, confident and compassionate children. I believe children should feel supported enough to express themselves while also understanding responsibility, empathy and independence. I’d want to create an environment where they feel safe to grow into who they are. Financially, I approach money with both caution and ambition. Growing up with medical needs made me very aware of how important financial security is. I believe in planning, saving and making decisions that create freedom in the long run rather than chasing instant gratification. At the same time, I see money as a tool, not just for survival, but for creating opportunities, experiences and impact for myself and others