Your 20s are like the Wild West. Unmapped, unpredictable, and full of promise. But here in South Africa, they come with their own flavor of complexity, blending the excitement of newfound independence with the stark realities of navigating a world where uncertainty is the only constant. For many, it’s a decade of self-discovery, chasing dreams, and figuring out where you belong. But it’s also one marked by hard lessons, societal pressures, and the occasional existential crisis. Welcome to the beautiful chaos of roaming in your 20s.
Roaming in Your 20s in South Africa: The Highs and Lows of Navigating Freedom and Uncertainty by Sabelo Khanyile sounds like the kind of life manual every young South African secretly wishes they had. Here at SFI.COZA, we get it—your 20s are a glorious cocktail of newfound freedom mixed with a side of existential dread. One moment you’re on top of the world, chasing sunsets in Cape Town; the next, you’re googling “how to adult” at 2 a.m.
The Highs: The Thrill of Freedom
Turning 20 is like someone handing you the map of your life and telling you it’s up to you to chart your course. There’s something exhilarating about knowing that, for the first time, your decisions are your own. Want to move to a new city, start a YouTube channel, or travel solo? You can. The possibilities feel endless. You realize the limits you thought existed were mostly self-imposed or societal norms you were never meant to follow.
In South Africa, where cultural diversity is rich and history is complicated, your 20s offer a unique vantage point. You’re evolving, and so is the world around you. Every new experience, whether it’s hustling through Cape Town’s creative scene, networking in Jozi’s urban jungle, finding peace in the mountains of KZN, or’something else’ feeds your soul. The highs come from realizing you’re slowly becoming the person you’re supposed to be, peeling away layers you didn’t even know you had.
There’s something special about living in a country that’s constantly reinventing itself. Whether it’s the music, from Amapiano to hip hop, or street art and fashion, South Africa’s creativity is contagious. You spend your 20s falling in love with your country all over again. Visiting local festivals, taking spontaneous road trips along the Garden Route, or simply finding a new favourite shisanyama spot with friends, it all feels like a celebration of freedom.
The Lows: The Weight of Uncertainty
Eish, the age-old struggle of wanting to follow your passion versus needing to pay rent. While you’re full of big ideas, the reality is that the job market in South Africa can be brutally competitive. You’re either underqualified or overqualified. Landing your dream job feels like winning the lottery. For many, those first years out of varsity are spent navigating unpaid internships, side hustles, and jobs that feel more like stepping stones than destinations.
As if the job market wasn’t enough, there’s social media. It can feel like everyone is sprinting through life, ticking off major milestones, a new job, a new apartment, an engagement, and that elusive ‘soft life.’ It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others and feeling like you’re falling behind. But here’s the thing: your 20s aren’t a race. They’re about pacing yourself and understanding that your journey is unique.
South Africa’s history and culture make identity an even more layered experience. Whether you’re grappling with your heritage, economic background, or how to navigate post-apartheid dynamics, it can feel overwhelming. And in your 20s, when you’re still figuring out who you are, the weight of these questions can trigger real existential doubts. Am I doing enough? Who am I really becoming? Why does everyone else seem to have it ALL together?
Navigating the Middle Ground: Finding Balance
Your 20s are when you realize failure isn’t the enemy; it’s the teacher. Whether it’s a failed relationship, career setback, or personal disappointment, it’s through these failures that you learn resilience. And if you’re lucky, you’ll come to appreciate the twists and turns that lead you somewhere unexpected. It’s less about perfection and more about growth.
One of the greatest joys of this decade is the people you meet along the way. While some friendships will fade, others will form the backbone of your journey. Your 20s teach you the value of surrounding yourself with people who challenge, inspire, and support you. Whether it’s a late-night conversation about the future with a glass of the most affordable wine in your hand at Openwine or traveling together through South Africa, your tribe becomes your anchor.
At some point, you come to terms with the fact that not everything will make sense, and that’s okay. The uncertainty that once terrifies you begins to feel like a part of the adventure. You learn to embrace the unknown, trusting that each new chapter holds its own magic. Because, at the end of the day, your 20s are about discovery, angithi? Discovery of self, place, and purpose.
The Takeaway: Own Your Journey
Roaming through your 20s in South Africa isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about asking the right questions. It’s about knowing that the highs will be glorious and the lows inevitable, but every moment is part of a larger journey. And while the path ahead may be unclear, the one certain thing is that you are learning, growing, and becoming.
So, bafwethu, take that leap. Move cities. Paint the town red. Start that passion project. Face the uncertainty head-on, and remember in your 20s, you’re allowed to roam because, in doing so, you’ll find your way.
Remember to share the knowledge with your friends on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter ❤.
Born and raised in the charming town of Empangeni, KwaZulu Natal, Sabelo Khanyile has carved out a unique niche in the creative world. Now based in Cape Town, Sabelo is a multifaceted artist known for his dynamic work as a DJ and photographer. His creative journey has led him to collaborate with notable figures such as Micael Matthews and showcase his work at prestigious events like SA Men's Fashion Week. His striking photography has also graced the pages of Vogue Italia, marking him as a significant force in the global art scene. In addition to his work as a DJ and photographer, Sabelo serves as the Creative Director of Adult Content Dreams, an innovative online platform dedicated to celebrating art, fashion, and music. Despite the provocative name, the platform is far from a site for adult content. Instead, it offers a vibrant space for the youth in South Africa to explore and engage with contemporary art and fashion, providing a creative outlet that fosters expression and connection through various artistic mediums. Sabelo’s diverse talents and creative vision continue to influence and inspire, making him a prominent figure in South Africa’s evolving cultural landscape.
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