Remembering the youth of 1976

Celebrations were conducted at the Ward 74 park, in KwaThema with a line-up of artists, performances and speeches to commemorate the day.

“In our own way we believed we are also freedom fighters, hence we felt it is important to celebrate such a day with our community in a conscious way.

“It is also important to remember what the struggle was all about and our fallen heroes who lost their lives so we could be free from oppression,” says Montana Tabane, member of the Rastafarian Society.

He thanked all the community members of this ward and the legislature for supporting and helping them to celebrate this significant event with honour.

Member of the Provincial Legislature of Gauteng, Thoko Magagula, who was one of the guests on the day, applauded this community for ensuring that they keep the spirit of the youth of 1976 alive even after 40 years.

“We are happy to have supported this community who have dedicated their time to remembering the students of 1976, who fought not to be taught in Afrikaans as almost all learning areas were being conducted in this language apart from English and Zulu.

“This then united the youth of the country to stand up for their rights” she said.

Magagula added that though she believes the youth of today are still committed to education, there are things that still need to change for the better.

“In our time we didn’t have bullies despite the fact that there was corporal punishment and stronger discipline from our parents, but today you find that some young people are abusing their rights in schools and at home.

“For things to change young people need to know that rights come with responsibilities, we need to bring back ubuntu in our communities, there needs be a level of care, love and respect for everybody especially their parents, teachers and themselves and they need to behave in a respectable manner at all times,” she said.