Youth day: Youngsters urged to fight unemployment

The 2014 Youth Day is highly significant as the country marks 20 years of democracy and freedom.

It also marks 38 years since the 1976 Soweto uprising that tragically ended with hundreds of young people killed when they protested against the imposition of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction.

Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa encourages the youth to combat the challenges of poverty, unemployment and the spread of HIV and Aids.

He says while the youth of 1976 fought for freedom and the creation of a democratic state, today’s youth activism should be directed towards tackling the challenges of poverty, personal development, limited socioeconomic opportunities, freedom, apathy and the challenges in developing South Africa.

Through the recently launched Youth Month, he says, government at all levels will be focusing its energies and resources on matters pertinent to youth empowerment and development.

Mthethwa says the strategic objectives of Youth Month are to educate the youth about their history; heritage and the role played by young people in the liberation struggle by reflecting on the events of 1976.

“During this month we also encourage debates, discussions and conversations about the challenges that confront the youth of today and how they can take forward the baton of leadership,” he says.

“We also will use it to highlight government programmes and opportunities for youth development and how the youth can access them. We encourage oral reminiscences by the 1976 veterans.

Deputy Minister in the Presidency Buti Manamela says, “Collectively young people have to fight the scourge of HIV and Aids and confront the challenge of unemployment, poverty and inequality.”

Representing Premier David Makhura, Gauteng Economic Development MEC Lebogang Maile says, “It is important to remember the role young people played in bringing about democracy and freedom in the country.”