Youth Day: what is its significance 40 years later?
What does Youth Day mean to a bunch of twenty-somethings?
We all know what happened on that tragic day in 1976, when hundreds of young people were killed in an attempt to rid the country of Bantu education. But what significance does this have 40 years later?
The News spoke to a group of twenty-somethings to find out what Youth Day means to them.
According to Caitlin Barnard, Youth Day means having the freedom to choose what language you want to learn in, and the fact that we are now taught in English means that we are able to communicate globally.
Alyssa Smith adds to this, saying that it means that everyone has the right to an education, but, she points out, this right is being abused – schools and universities are being burnt down in an attempt to make a point and have needs met.
“The cause is great, but the execution of the entire thing is just barbaric.”
Kay Selisho says that the meaning of Youth Day changed drastically for her after the ‘fees must fall’ movement started.
“I used to say it meant that I can be free to be and do whatever I want, but I don’t think I fully understood that until recently. Youth Day now serves as a reminder that no matter what era we are from, young people face a slew of problems that aren’t really taken seriously by older generations until the paw-paw hits the fan.”
She went on to say “Youth Day means that given half the chance, we will continue to challenge the status quo, build a better present for ourselves and hopefully a better future for upcoming generations. We are redefining freedom and going after that dream with everything in us”.
The meaning of Youth Day is different for everyone, as you can see, but the underlying message remains the same: everyone has the right to an education, in the language of their choice.
Do you feel the same? As a young person living in Krugersdorp, share your opinion with us by leaving your comment in the box provided below.
The News hopes that you and your family have a fantastic Youth Day.
See also:
•VIDEO: Third national drag racing event on Youth Day
•Overcrowding affects quality of education
