The X-Factored Youth just read an article by Deutsche Welle and it entails that there is a surge in young Turkish people learning German. We could not help but think about what young South Africans can learn from this trend and the benefits that come with.
South African youth are comfortable at home
As Germany is struggling with a skills shortage, Germany is on a quest to get as many immigrants to work in the country and fill up positions that many family-owned businesses need to serve their clientel or customers. The youth of Turkey have listened to that call by taking on the first obstacle that they they need to get over – Learning the language. South Africa’s unemployment crisis, especially among young people, remains one of the country’s most pressing challenges. Meanwhile, in places like Turkey, youth are looking outward — seeking opportunities abroad and positioning themselves to thrive in global markets. This contrast reveals a deeper issue: while South African youth are often frustrated by limited local opportunities and constant rejection, many have grown comfortable with inactivity. Instead of using their time to learn new skills — like a foreign language that could open doors internationally — they wait for change to come from the outside.
To put it frankly, there’s a hesitation among many young South Africans to step beyond familiar borders. Learning a new language or moving abroad feels daunting, even unnecessary. Yet, this very reluctance creates space for young people from other nations, such as Turkey, to claim opportunities — in countries like Germany — that South Africans could also pursue. It’s not a question of capability, but of mindset: a willingness to adapt, learn, and take bold steps toward a different kind of future.
Creating a demand for the German LanguageGerman is becoming one of the most valuable soft skills a young person can develop — right alongside English. As a major language of business, innovation, and education, it opens doors to countless opportunities across Europe and beyond. At X-Factored Youth, we believe that learning German should not be reserved for a select few. In fact, we would encourage parents, educators, and policymakers to advocate for its inclusion in the national school curriculum. Introducing German at the high school level could give South African learners an early understanding of European culture and greatly improve their chances of integrating into global job markets.
It’s no coincidence that leading institutions such as Pretoria High School for Girls (PHSG) and Pretoria Boys High School already offer German in their academic programs — they understand its long-term value. We envision a future where every South African learner, regardless of whether they attend a public or private school, has the opportunity to study German and expand their horizon of possibilities.
These are the schools that offer German as a subject
- Hermannsburg School
- German International School Cape Town
- Deutsche Schule Johannesburg
- Deutsche Schule Durban
- Deutsche Schule Kroondal
If South Africa is to prepare its youth for a truly global future, more schools must embrace the teaching of languages like German. Doing so isn’t just about adding another subject to the curriculum — it’s about unlocking access to a world of opportunity. Real transformation begins when students and parents become active voices for this change, recognizing that learning a global language is an investment in our nation’s future. Imagine a generation of young South Africans who study abroad, gain world-class experience, and return home not only with new skills but with fresh ideas to help drive progress in the country that shaped them.
At the end of the day, this isn’t just about learning German — it’s about learning to dream bigger. The young people of Turkey saw an opportunity and took action; there’s no reason South Africans can’t do the same. The world is waiting for bold, curious minds who aren’t afraid to step beyond their comfort zones. Every new language learned, every new culture explored, is a step closer to shaping your own future on your own terms. Imagine what could happen if South African youth embraced this mindset — if we became a generation that didn’t just wait for change, but created it. The first step might be as simple as saying “Hallo” to a new possibility.
BECOME AN X-FACTORED YOUTH MEMBER: R9.99 monthly subscription
CONNECT:
Instagram – x_factoredyouthza
Facebook – x-factored youth
Website – www.x-factoredyouth.co.za / x-factoredyouth.com
Email: Bliss@x-factoredyouth.co.za
WhatsApp Line: +27 81 499 9529
Leave a Reply