UThukela District Municipality in conjunction with Okhahlamba Local Municipality organised and held a Youth Day commemoration event at the Khethani Community Hall last Friday.
The event was organised under the theme: “The Year of OR Tambo, Advancing Youth Economic Empowerment”, and was attended by the District Deputy Mayor Cllr NW Sibiya, uThukela District councillors as well as Okhahlamba councillors.
Young people came in large numbers to commemorate and pay tribute to the generation of 1976 who fought in the struggle against an unjust education system. Among the guests who graced the event was SASCO President Mr B Duze from the University of Zululand and television personality Vusi Thwala who played Vuvu in Zone 14.
The Deputy Mayor Cllr Sibiya delivered her keynote address whereby she explained to the audience what happened in 1976 and also reminded the youth about the history behind our political freedom struggle. She said freedom did not come easy or cheap, as defenceless people were oppressed in many ways by the apartheid government and many lost their lives in the struggle for freedom.
RELATED ARTICLE: Commemorating Youth Day in Rensburg
“June marks an important month in our democracy, as it is the month when we are reminded of the immense contribution made by the students of 1976, who marched against an unjust education system. This year as we commemorate the 41st anniversary of June 16, we cannot forget the sacrifices made by these young people towards liberating our country,” said Cllr Sibiya.
She concluded by encouraging the youth to appreciate and use the opportunities brought about by the democratic government to make their lives better.
The youth was also advised to stop abusing drugs and alcohol but instead focus to work twice as hard to build the country’s economic freedom.
Various stakeholders including the departments of Health, Home Affairs, Labour, SEDA, NYDA, IEC, Statistics South Africa, Majuba College, Ithala Bank and YBA Investments. They were given a chance to present and give more clarity about the services they render and the opportunities they provide for young people in their respective departments.
Click to receive news links via WhatsApp. Or for the latest news, visit our webpage or follow us on Facebook and Twitter
