Pretoria residents share mixed views on the meaning of Youth Day
In honour of Youth Day, Pretorians reflect on the significant meaning of the day. Some say it is still necessary to celebrate the youth, but also to commemorate the sacrifices of the past.
Youth Day marks a day of reflection in honouring the youth ambushed by the apartheid regime police in Soweto on June 16, 1976.
The day highlights the shooting and killing of more than 500 youths, including 12-year-old Hector Pieterson.
As the country is looking ahead to commemorate the day on June 16, Pretoria residents shared their perspectives on the meaning of the day in today’s South African democracy.
Some of the residents called for celebration and reflection, whereas others expressed mixed feelings over today’s youth and the systematic challenges they continue to face post-apartheid.
Cerina Mabaso said the day should be celebrated because the challenges they face as youth are often overlooked.
“The transition from teenagehood into becoming an adult is one that should be treasured as it comes with a lot of changes and experiences. I think we need to have Youth Day as a reminder that we’re still living, we are still young, and we need to enjoy the moment instead of trying to rush and trying to get job, make money, and put ourselves into a routine where we do not spend time relaxing and enjoying life.”
Zine Hollander emphasised the day as a time to acknowledge the power and responsibility of young people.
“I think as young people we should be celebrated as it is our duty to shape what is coming for the next generation,” she said.
Benjamin Plattner echoed the same sentiments, relaying what the day means to him.
“I think Youth Day means celebrating the youth. To me, I take it as a public holiday, and I believe that it should be celebrated.”
Levania Naidoo shared a different perspective.
“I do not feel any specific way about Youth Day because, to me, it is just a holiday.”
Neo Mainetja shares this view.
“The reason why I do not celebrate Youth Day is because that these days it is celebrated too much at taverns. There are no longer awareness campaigns in schools teaching children about what happened,” Mainetja explained.
Thabang Masemola, a young man living on the streets, expressed the weight of systemic failure.
“Youth Day is important for the youth to know about their rights and responsibilities. It is quite painful, the way our government operates, because black students are still not favoured by the system. There are no jobs. So, what is Youth Day without addressing the challenges faced by the youth of our country?”
Among older residents, a recurring concern was the perceived lack of moral values among the youth of today.
“I think we should go back again and remind the youth what the day is really about, because most of the time they celebrate the day with alcohol and partying. Mischief happens, people get hurt, and some are arrested for unnecessary things,” said Lucky Mollo.
Mollo said there must be an awareness campaign based on June 16, where young people will be reminded about the importance of the day.
Poppy Mahlangu Mabena expressed disappointment in the behaviour of the younger generation.
“Today’s youth is surprising us, and we are no longer able to handle them because they have lost respect for elderly people. They are not like us back in the day. They talk the way they like and they don’t listen,” Mabena said.
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