Today, we commemorate Youth Day, a moment etched in the heart of our nation’s history and a powerful reminder of the role young people have played in shaping South Africa’s democracy.
As we remember the young heroes of 1976, we must also reflect on the journey we have taken since then. Today, we enjoy freedoms and opportunities that they could only dream of. However, their struggle also reminds us that with freedom comes responsibility, especially the responsibility to build a just, inclusive, and prosperous society.
Here in the City of Tshwane, we recognise the immense potential and energy of our youth. Our city is home to some of the country’s leading universities, colleges, and innovation hubs. Young people in Tshwane are driving change in technology, in arts, in entrepreneurship, and in civil society. They are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are already leading today.
But we must also acknowledge the challenges that many young people continue to face. Specifically, high levels of unemployment, barriers to quality education, and lack of access to opportunities. These challenges threaten to dim the light of the generation that has inherited our hard-won democracy.
As a city, we are committed to changing this. We are investing in youth development programmes, expanding access to skills training, and working with partners in the public and private sectors to create pathways to employment.
We are also creating platforms for young people to participate in decision-making, because your voices matter, your ideas are needed, and your future cannot be planned without you at the table.
Youth Day must be a call to action. Let us honour the legacy of 1976 by building a future where every young person in Tshwane has the tools, support, and freedom to reach their full potential. Let us ensure that the spirit of June 16 which is of courage, unity, and purpose continues to live on in each new generation.
To the youth of Tshwane: we see you, we hear you, and we believe in you. This is your time. Seize it.
Happy Youth Day.
Let us ensure that the spirit of June 16 which is of courage, unity, and purpose continues to live on in each new generation
Today, we commemorate Youth Day, a moment etched in the heart of our nation’s history and a powerful reminder of the role young people have played in shaping South Africa’s democracy.
As we remember the young heroes of 1976, we must also reflect on the journey we have taken since then. Today, we enjoy freedoms and opportunities that they could only dream of. However, their struggle also reminds us that with freedom comes responsibility, especially the responsibility to build a just, inclusive, and prosperous society.
Here in the City of Tshwane, we recognise the immense potential and energy of our youth. Our city is home to some of the country’s leading universities, colleges, and innovation hubs. Young people in Tshwane are driving change in technology, in arts, in entrepreneurship, and in civil society. They are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are already leading today.
But we must also acknowledge the challenges that many young people continue to face. Specifically, high levels of unemployment, barriers to quality education, and lack of access to opportunities. These challenges threaten to dim the light of the generation that has inherited our hard-won democracy.
As a city, we are committed to changing this. We are investing in youth development programmes, expanding access to skills training, and working with partners in the public and private sectors to create pathways to employment.
We are also creating platforms for young people to participate in decision-making, because your voices matter, your ideas are needed, and your future cannot be planned without you at the table.
Youth Day must be a call to action. Let us honour the legacy of 1976 by building a future where every young person in Tshwane has the tools, support, and freedom to reach their full potential. Let us ensure that the spirit of June 16 which is of courage, unity, and purpose continues to live on in each new generation.
To the youth of Tshwane: we see you, we hear you, and we believe in you. This is your time. Seize it.
Happy Youth Day.