As we come to the end of June, which is a celebration of youth month. These trailblazers broke down barriers and, leaving a profound impact on sports, academia, broadcasting and entrepreneurship. This serves as inspiration to other young people out there.

Is the South African law biased? June is Men's Health Month, an observance aimed at raising awareness about preventable health problems and encouraging early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. Men are often the perpetrators of GBV and femicide in South Africa. However, men are also victims of abuse and social injustice. On this episode of Expressions, we will try to give men a platform to voice out their concerns and views on social matters. Men are usually overlooked in the media and the law

Depression among South African youth is a growing concern, and it's driven by a complex mix of social, economic, and psychological factors. Many young people grow up in broken homes or without present fathers, which creates emotional instability. Parents who are emotionally unavailable, absent due to work, or who grew up in trauma themselves may struggle to provide mental and emotional support. Social media also creates unrealistic expectations, as youth constantly compare themselves to celebrities and influencers who appear to live “perfect” lives. There is a major disconnect between today’s youth and their parents which is rooted in culture, history, and changing times.

As South Africa marks the anniversary of the 1976 Soweto uprising and 25 years since the advent of democracy in South Africa, Expressions seeks to unpack the relevance of June 16 on the modern youth. The show also seeks to unpack the challenges that are faced by the modern youth in comparison to the youth of Yesteryear. Schools are plagued by violence, rapes and dropouts.

Gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide in South Africa remain deeply troubling and persistent issues. The recent tragic case of Olerato, alongside the discovery of lifeless female bodies in Sandton in May, underscores a terrifying pattern of violence that disproportionately affects women and girls across the country. The brutal murder of Olerato Mongale, who was reportedly killed after meeting a man she connected with online , has once again highlighted the pervasive and alarming issue of gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa . This tragedy underscores the urgent need for both individual vigilance and collective action to combat the scourge of GBV and femicide in the country .

The International Day of the Boy Child 2025 commemoration will be an assembly of three generations of men, with some legends and influential male role models media personalities, artists and sports personalities attending. The DBE and its partners intend to leverage the International Day of the Boy Child to address the systemic educational, psychological as well as social challenges facing boys in South Africa.

In South Africa, millions of young people face challenges every day. But some face battles you can’t see. One of those battles… is Lupus. It can cause pain, fatigue, rashes, joint swelling, and even damage to the kidneys, heart, or brain. And most people with Lupus are young women – especially women of colour. Lupus often begins in the teenage years or early 20s, with young women of African, Asian, and mixed descent at higher risk. Many young people with Lupus experience extreme fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes (often a “butterfly” rash across the cheeks), sensitivity to sunlight, and hair loss. Some may face organ damage over time if not diagnosed and treated early. Mental health challenges like anxiety and depression are also common due to the emotional burden of living with a chronic illness. Social stigma, lack of awareness, and limited access to specialists can delay diagnosis and treatment, especially in rural areas. As Expressions we ask do you know about Lupus.

Creatives have been pleading with the Department of Arts and Culture to formalize the South African industry or create a Trade union that can protect the rights of entertainers in the country Formalizing the South African entertainment industry involves developing a structured and regulated environment to support growth, promote decent work, and ensure fair practices. This includes establishing clear legal frameworks, fostering industry organizations, and promoting access to funding and training programs.