On 16 June 2020, which is declared a public holiday, is a day set apart to recognise the bravery of protesters in Soweto, led predominantly by high school pupils who demonstrated against the South African apartheid regime’s enforced introduction of Afrikaans as a medium of teaching in schools.
The DUT Communications team’s, Waheeda Peters spoke to some DUT staff and students about the significance of June 16 (Youth Day) and what the day means to them, despite South Africa being in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sharing her view is Qijal S Pancha, a First-Year Public Administration: Supply Chain Management student.
“Youth Day is the celebration of the power and unity that we the youth possess in society. It represents the dreams we envision, and for the fight for a better future. On this day, we pay homage to the leaders of 1976, for it is thanks to them that we were shown a path that holds great visions for a better future.”
Prashna Hansjee: ICON Administrator
“June 16th is a reminder of how far our youth has come and that everything is possible. This day is proof that the youth can overcome anything.”
Sneliswe Hlongwane: Marketing and Communication Officer at the Centre for Social Entrepreneurship
“For me June 16th is about remembering the past, because it is also the future. It represents a turning point for South Africa. It’s a reminder for me that together we can stand if we are united and we stand together as one.
The youth is not only an age group between childhood and adulthood, it’s far more than that. I strongly believe it’s the link that determines where our country would be heading in years to come. In our youth, we were simply given an opportunity to step onto the training ground of life. This is where leaders, heroes, guardians and much more are made. Simply put, I believe the youth is the future of South Africa and I encourage the youth to grab each and every opportunity that is presented to them. #WeAreComingForEverything.”
Fanie Nocholas Ndlovu, Masters Student in Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
“The majority of today’s youth take 16 June as a JUST celebration and holiday. But for me, it reminds me of my responsibility. The youth of 1976 has sacrificed their lives to change the education system for me to have a better and comfortable learning experience than them. Today youth faced different systematic challenges in education. The current education system does not prepare us to participate in the economy which results in a high unemployment rate. My responsibility as youth of today is to fight for the youth of today and the youth of 2040, to receive an education that enables them to participate in the economy. So far I can say I am doing my responsibility very well through my informal education programmes, I have helped some youth to secure jobs in the USA and some youth have participated in overseas international leadership conference.”
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also issued his Youth Day message on Monday, 15 June 2020, from the Desk of the President in Pretoria.
According to the Youth Day press release, President Ramaphosa saluted the youth of post-apartheid South Africa, saying that in time to come, it will be said that 2020 marked the start of a new era in human history.
“South African youth of 2020 more than meet the high standard set by their predecessors. They are optimistic, resilient and courageous, often in the face of the harshest of circumstances. They are a source of inspiration and hope. Through their actions, they are building a world that is more just, equal, sustainable and at peace. I wish all the young people of South Africa a meaningful and inspiring Youth Day,” said President Ramaphosa.
Waheeda Peters
Photo Credit: Google Images
