South Africans celebrate Youth day on Tuesday , 16 June 2015, and young people are expected to take part in celebrations across the country.
The holiday (June 16) commemorates of young brave South Africans who protested against the country’s apartheid laws and Bantu education system which forced students to learn Afrikaans. On June 16, 1976, many young people died during protests that started in Soweto and quickly spread across the country.
Interfaith prayers will take place from 6am at Freedom Park in Tshwane, followed by a youth march to the Tshwane Events Centre (formerly known as the Pretoria Show Grounds) in Pretoria.
SA president Jacob Zuma is expected to deliver a keynote speech at the Tshwane Events Centre.
Zuma is also expected to announce the launch of Mara Mentor, a mobile application (App) that connects business leaders with entrepreneurs at the official Youth Day event. The App also offers mentorship and support to entrepreneurs. This in order to develop youth entrepreneurship in the country.
Mara mentor is the brainchild of Africa’s youngest billionaire Ashish Thakkar.
Also expected at the 2015 official Youth Day celebrations is Chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Yershen Pillay, and Minister of Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa.
A cultural programme including musical entertainment is expected to start at midday with a range of SA artists who will entertain the public.
Youth gatherings, debates and cultural activities have been planned across the nine provinces.
WATCH: June 16, 1976 uprising students relive that day
– By SA celebrates Youth Day, launches mentor App
