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Commemorating Youth Day

Commemorating Youth Day

On 16 June 2015, South Africa commemorated Youth Day in remembrance of the young people who died during Soweto Uprising protest while standing against apartheid Bantu Education laws.

This year’s celebrations were commemorated under the theme: Youth Action for Economic Freedom in Our Lifetime. The official Youth Day event, which was presided over by President Jacob Zuma, was celebrated in Gauteng.

For Esivani Naidoo, a BTech Journalism student at DUT, Youth Day is a day for people to recognise the importance of such a historical day instead of viewing it as just another public holiday. “Youth Day changed the socio-political climate of the country in a way many of us will never be able to imagine. It was a major turning point in history for South Africa and we have the freedom that we enjoy because of the events that occurred,” she said.

Commenting on what the day means to him, Menzi Ngcobo, DUT’s SRC Secretary General, said for him, Youth Day always serves as a reminder of South Africa’s dark past. “As DUT students, we should commemorate this day by hosting discussions or lectures across all campuses on how we should use freedom to improve our lives and create opportunities for economic growth for all. Our struggle is no longer inequality per se, but our struggle is for economic emancipation, personal growth and the development of our communities,” he said.

On the day (June 16, 2015), DUT SRC President, Mqondis Duma, was away at the Umzimkhulu Community Expo as he forms part of the organising committee. “I think as a youth of today, it’s no longer about giving t-shirts or food but about giving information to learners to empower them for the future. The youth must never forget the struggle that we are facing (economic emancipation),” he added.

  • Waheeda Peters

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