Looking back on Youth Day

Thousands of South Africans commemorated Youth Day on Monday, June 16.

On June 16, 1976 about 10 000 students protested against the Apartheid government’s decision to use Afrikaans and English as a compulsory medium of instruction in South African schools.

The iconic photograph of Hector Peterson dying in his friend’s arms was taken on that day.

The Courier spoke to a few North Coast residents to find out what Youth Day means to them.

Palm Lakes resident Akesh Haralal said he just takes June 16 as a normal holiday and believes most others do the same.

“It is mostly the youth who do not know about June 16. I do not do anything to embrace the holiday,” said Hiralal.

Newcastle resident Philipp Lach, who was in Ballito for the weekend did not even know that June 16 is Youth Day.

“I just enjoy it as a normal holiday and for this year I came to Ballito for the long weekend,” said Lack.

Chaka’s Rock resident Themba Mabizela said he still cares about Youth Day, although he does not go to any functions to commemorate it.

“This holiday has changed to be important to politicians only. But in the old days you would not need to ask if it was June 16,” said Mabizela.

Mabizela’s son Gift said he knows the history of Youth Day but does not care that much about it.

“I am just happy that I did not go to school.”said the Shakaskraal secondary school pupil.