I am 22-years-old and big on newspapers, So when I came across the letter by Melitah Madiba ("Youth need spirit of 1976, June 11), I was hooked as she described our deteriorating society and stressed the importance of Child Protection Week.

I became sceptical, however, when she began slamming the youth for being violent tyrants even though they are "living in a democratic society, with opportunities".

I was concerned when Madiba said something needed to be done to educate the youth about right and wrong, and I finally shook my head when she indicated, apparently proudly, that the "government and other stakeholders are doing their bit in the fight".

A few pages from her letter was a feature on two schools in the Eastern Cape that are in such a state of despair that I couldn't hold back my tears as I questioned if we really have a government that cares about the youth.

The education situation in the Eastern Cape is so dire that an NGO called Equal Education is suing Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga.

The minister reportedly intends to oppose the application in court - note that a "top-notch" advocate can cost as much as R50000 a day.

One wonders why she does not give the money she intends paying her senior counsel to those schools.

My question is: when did we start fighting against justice?

When (predominantly black) schools are in such a dire state, how can we be motivated to learn? How can we believe that education will help alleviate our poverty?

If some of our elders are anything to go by, all we need is a government tender or the "right" associations so that, even if we get into trouble for corruption or fraud, we will be suspended with full pay or serve little or none of our sentence.

As we approach June 16, I pray that we are all touched by the "spirit of 1976" and that we remember that we all contribute to this society - some on a grander scale than others.

I would humbly like to submit to our government (and to Melitah Madiba) that we, the youth, are taught by our elders.

If our education is improved and we can learn "right from wrong" from you, then we will be better equipped to bring progress to our lives and the lives of others.

I don't think any elder, or the government, needs to be reminded that if you invest in the youth, you equip them for the future. Minister Motshekga, please assist.