Statement by Executive Chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Mr Sifiso Mtsweni on Freedom Day 2018
The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) joins all South Africans in celebrating twenty-four (24) years since the dawn of freedom and democracy. Commemorated as Freedom Day, this day ushered in a democratic dispensation filled with hope for prosperity and a better future for South Africans in general, and youth in particular.
We urge all South Africans to celebrate this day by recommitting themselves to the values of goodwill and sacrifice. Like Tata Nelson Mandela, our desire to do good for others and giving our time in service of our country should be the driving force of our lives. Young people must continue to reflect on what freedom means to us and whether the sacrifice of young freedom fighter such as Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu, Andrew Zondo, Tsietsi Mashinini and many other have yielded the desired results for our youth.
We have noted with utter shock, disgust and dismay the introduction of the anti-Caster clause by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). The anti-Caster campaign by the athletics federation is an insult to our achievements in sports. This has been happening for many years and this is blatant racism by the IAAF because they cannot stomach the success of an African child.
Caster Mokgadi Semenya is an embodiment of true sportsmanship and achievement against all odds. Her achievements serve as an inspiration to all young people. freedom for us should mean the ability to succeed in an environment that is tailored for success and not succumb to racist standards of the IAAF.
South Africans, at home and abroad must unite against this campaign. The attack on her talent under the disguise of regulations is no different to apartheid laws used to dispossess our people land and access to economic opportunities.
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