South Africans will commemorate Youth Day on June 16 under theme of “Youth Action for Economic Freedom in Our Lifetime”.
June 16 is the anniversary of the Soweto Uprising and on this day South Africa commemorates the role played by the youth in the country’s struggle for democracy. On 16 June 1976, brave youth stood up against the apartheid government’s Bantu education laws. Youth day honours the school children who died on that day – a day that changed the course of the country’s history. Youth Day is also used to reflect on and address the issues currently facing South Africa’s youth.
The official Youth Day event, which will be presided over by President Jacob Zuma, will be celebrated at the Tshwane Events Centre in Gauteng. This year’s celebrations are expected to biggest and best yet, differing from those of the past as it will not start and end with a rally. This year, President Jacob Zuma will be launching a new and exciting programme for youth development. The programme will go live for youth to access on June 16th.
Youth month in June 2015 is themed “Youth Moving South Africa Forward!” In the spirit of this, the SABC has profiled a set of young people who are making strides in leading themselves, their communities and South Africa forward.
On June 16, the President will also officially launch the Mara Mentor, online youth mentorship programme; a partnership between the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and the Mara Foundation.
Throughout the Youth Month of June, Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers will embark on Youth Outreach Programmes across South Africa.
– By Zainub Dockrat
