Programme Director
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen
Today, thirty six years ago, the youth of this area Soweto took to the streets against the apartheid government for the introduction of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction in black schools. Their struggle was not only about Afrikaans but the entire system of apartheid that had treated black people and Africans in particular as second class citizens in the country of their birth.
On that fateful day many ended up in prison while other had to leave the country. Parents and many families were disintegrated as a result of the brutal and violent repression with which the then apartheid regime responded to the crisis.
Government buildings such as beer halls were burnt down because they symbolised perpetual oppression of the majority who went there to keep away from confronting the reality of the challenges facing society at the time.
Half of those thirty years has seen the election of a democratic government based on the will of the people as outlined in the 1956 people’s document, the Freedom Charter. Today’s youth pride themselves that those who came before them laid the foundation that has seen the youth of our country playing an active role in determining their future through structures such as National Youth Development Agency.
We celebrate this year’s day under the theme “Our Freedom wasn’t Free” because we are mindful of the fact that many lost and sacrificed with their very own lives for our country to be where it is today. We dare not fail them and commit not to falter in pursuit of improving a quality of life of our people.
Those who were in the forefront of the 1976 revolution will not be disappointed if they were to take note of some of the changes that were brought about by the democratic government. They will be happy to notice that no government has been imposed on them, that people are encouraged to speak and learn in language of their own choice, that no child irrespective of creed or colour is deprived a right to education.
Those who laid their own lives will be comforted to note that no child irrespective of social standing or background and colour or creed will be deprived of higher education if he or she has performed well in their studies. They will be comforted to learn that every African child in Gauteng is guaranteed government bursary based on merit.
In fact, a majority of learners who passed their Grade 12 well have been provided with bursaries to pursue their studies at tertiary level in the past year. No child goes to school hungry and not benefit from our nutrition programme and no child is turned back from school because parents cannot afford to pay school fees.
We have succeeded in providing safety in our schools where incidents of crime have drastically reduced. And parents are now actively involved through Student Governing Bodies (SGB’s) in the education of their children. Whereas in 1976, much less students were in Matric and tertiary institutions, today many have a choice for a better future through institutions put in place by government to support them. Indeed the doors of learning and culture have been opened as stated in the Freedom Charter.
Not long ago, Soweto was like a forgotten ghetto but today it is occupying a central place in the history of our country as a city with world class facilities that are comparable to other cities. The beer halls have been replaced with world class community centres such as MPCC’s and Soweto Theatre. Companies of note such as Toyota have invested inside the township and more still want to invest millions to the area. We are today proud to be associated with Soweto. It is through these kinds of interventions that the memory of the young people who died in 1976 is honoured.
Program Director
While the 1976 generation had a common enemy in the evil apartheid system, today’s generation is faced with a totally different type of enemy. Their challenges range from HIV and Aids, drugs and substance abuse, moral decay, to hunger and joblessness. These are tearing the moral fibre of our society, stealing the promising young lives and destroying families.
It is the nature of these challenges that should galvanised the youth to work as a united force just like the 76 generation. For this to happen young people must participate in structures and organisations that have their interests at heart. By getting involved in youth formations and other civil structures the sense of belonging is achieved which then help to channel the energy to a specific cause. This kind of involvement gives one a purpose in life. It is this purpose in life that young people must define themselves and pursue with unparalleled vigour and zest.
As part of the Youth Month celebrations, Gauteng government will roll out the Drugs Treatment Centres Campaign which will take the youth away from drug abuse and other related activities. We are establishing the Youth Township Hubs in each region that are aimed at promoting entrepreneurial initiatives and job creation for the youth in Gauteng.
We have also launched the Gauteng Vision 2055 which will shape the future and path growth and development in this province. During the launch we invited the public to participate by giving us their views on G2055 vision. We are once again calling on our youth to visit the G2055 KIOKS in Mofolo Park and give us your suggestions so that we can plan and build the Gauteng that reflects your dreams.
During this month we will be launching the youth Artisan Programme. The programme will provide and equip the youth with skills that are relevant to the current economic challenges.
We are confident with these registered achievements and many others the 1976 struggle was not in vain. The blood that was shed has nurtured our democracy and strengthens our resolve to fight the current scourge of poverty, unemployment and disease. We salute the generation of selfless revolutionary and hope today’s youth can emulate their courage and commitment.
Dankie. Ngiyabonga.
