Youth have their say on Youth Day
The Krugersdorp News reached out to youth to hear what they have to say about why we have a public holiday on June 16.
This year marked the 37th anniversary of celebrating Youth Day.
On 15 June, the Krugersdorp News approached the youth of Kagiso who attended the Start the Conversation Youth Day programme and asked what Youth Day meant to them, and what some of the issues are affecting them and can be resolved.
Nonkululeko Mhlanga said the generation of 1976 bravely stood up to the apartheid regime.
“It means a lot to me as a young person because it teaches me about accountability and responsibility as even we have a role to play despite our young age.”
Maishane Desly said it is an important day to her because it teaches the youth about bravery, courage and sacrifice.
“The country is in a much better place in terms of our constitution today because of the brave young people of 1976. However many of us still face challenges and it’s up to us to take the initiative to change our conditions for the better.”
For Yolanda Yakobi, commemorating Youth Day is not just about reflecting and learning about history.
“I look into that history and see it as a blueprint on how we as the youth can stand for something and make our country better for everyone who lives in it.”
Lebogang Pretty said Youth Day is a day for all to reflect and learn from our history, but also shine a light on the issues affecting the youth today.
Nomasonto Ngubane said an important lesson that can be learnt by youth.
“As we celebrate this day we must take initiative and responsibility. Nobody will do it for us so we have to be responsible for the future of the nation as it falls on our shoulders.”
