Media statement by Nomonde Mbadi, Executive Director of Corporate Affairs
The HIV/AIDS Centre at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) will be collaborating with the Department of Child and Youth Development and the Student Representative Council (SRC) in hosting a youth day celebration.
Date: 12 June 2009
Time: 10h00
Venue: Mansfield Hall, Ritson Campus, Durban University of Technology
The June 16, 1976 events will forever remind us of the role and contribution of the youth in the struggle for freedom and democracy in South Africa. Those young people were aware and conscious of the implications of their actions, defied the rule of apartheid subjugation and challenged the use of the Afrikaans language in particular and Bantu education in general. It has always been emphasized that young people have a crucial role to play in the fight against the HIV and AIDS epidemic. In the same breath, DUT has taken the initiative to create awareness of the June 16 uprisings and to celebrate the youth achievements. Most importantly, to celebrate the role that young people play in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
According to DUT’s Oziel Mdletshe: “From our experience, young people tend to relate much better to drama series that shown in our television. Some of the issues raised on Soul City have been discussed in our Peer education programme facilitated by students. Therefore, Soul City has been invited to be part of our event, the speaker on Multiple and concurrent Sexual partners will be Pholokgolo Ramothwala, well known AIDS activist and motivational speaker. Another speaker will be former DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Bonganjalo Goba.”
Objectives of the Youth Day celebration are:
-To promote monogamous relationships on and off campus.
– To increase the awareness of the danger of multi concurrent partners.
– To remind them of the dangers of having sugar daddies and mommies.
– To create awareness of June 16 and celebrate the youth achievements thus far
– DUT as a whole to be seen as a significant Institution in South Africa in terms of celebrating history
Entertainment activities include:
• Poetry
• Comedian
• Drama students
• Choir (music)
• Talent showcase by DUT students
• Spin a Song
• Performance by the children from the National Association of Child Care Workers (NACCW)
• Drama Society
For more information contact Bhekani Dlamini on 031 373 2845 to facilitte the interview.