Silindile Mtshali: It is important for us to recognise and appreciate the young people who fought and suffered for justice and freedom in our country. This day is a day to remember and honour the past while enjoying the freedom of today.
Youth Month is an annual observance that takes place in many countries around the world, including South Africa. This month-long celebration is a time to recognise the contributions of young people to society and to raise awareness of the challenges they face.
Young people are often at the forefront of social and political change, advocating for causes such as climate change, social justice, and human rights. They also contribute to the economy through innovation and entrepreneurship, and they play a vital role in shaping the future of their communities and countries.
Fourways Review explores why it is important to celebrate Youth Month and what it means for young people.
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Fumani Maluleke: Youth Day is still important because this month highlights everything the class of 1976 fought for. We have to realise that this day is about empowering us. We need to be more involved when days like these are celebrated as we are the youth they are talking about.
Sylvester Raraza: Youth Month is important to be because it’s a reminder of the sacrifices the youth of June 16th, 1976 made for us today. It’s a remembrance day for the youth of today we should participate in the country’s democratic processes, it’s a reminder for the youth of today to get involved whether it’s voting on election day, whether it’s participating in community initiatives that are aimed at uplifting our communities. It is important because it encourages the youth to participate.
Aviwe Zenzile: Youth Month is important because it reminds me of how my country’s youth courageously stood up and fought against the oppressive apartheid. It doesn’t end there; it helps in remembering and honouring the past of our country while enjoying the freedom we have today. I am now enjoying freedom today because of our country’s youth who fought against the apartheid system in order for South Africa to be free. Youth Month helps us in paying tribute to the youth that suffered and fought f
Kamohelo April: I think Youth Month matters to me because of the unemployment rate that stands at no less than 63.9% among the youth aged 15 to 24 which may be 1.9 times the national average of 36.5% not employed or in education systems. Statistics also define the youth people as discouraged by the labour market and who are not building their skill base through education and training.
Malwandla Musa: To me, it is important because now I am able to choose any subject of my choice, especially at school. But I feel we need to do more to make sure the spirit of this day is not forgotten in the future.
Hope Williams: To me, Youth Month gives youth a chance to celebrate and get knowledge of South African history. The youth of 1976 fought for what they believed in and now we need to be inspired by that spirit and fight for what we believe in.
Siphelele Mfaxa: I remember the youth of 1976, the fearless, strong, determined youth that took it upon themselves to fight and overcome the inequality and oppression caused by the apartheid government. This is the youth that wanted and demanded action to bring about change. But given our state of the economy where we still live in a marginalised country, systematic racism and oppression still exist, as inequality and racial profiling.
Innocent Nkwanyama: I think Youth Day is still important because we have so many challenges that we face. We as the youth should make this day and month something meaningful for us as we can see the adults also have their own issues to deal with.
Claudea Mthombeni: It is important to also know what we are celebrating, what the youth of '76 fought for is not really materialised or realised. We need to fight the issues that affect us and fight for the younger generation that follows us. Youth Day should be celebrated responsibly and make sure we make a difference for the young ones.
Yolanda Mdekazi: It reminds us of the heroes and heroines that fought for black educational rights during the apartheid era. It also matters to me because it’s the month whereby we celebrate people from the LGBTQ+ community and we get to learn more about their ‘culture’.
Ntsika Tshangela: To me, Youth Day means an opportunity to reflect on the struggles and achievements of young people and to acknowledge the critical role they play in building a better world.
Unarine Matsila: Youth Day should be celebrated while we still have the time to make a difference. The problem now we celebrate without knowing what we are celebrating. We need to be taught what this day is about so we can be able to engage in everything related to it.
Muxe Tshungu: It is important because it gives us a chance to celebrate our youth that fought for youth freedom. But we need to celebrate responsibly so we as a country become proud to be associated with this day.
Mihlali Nkombi: I think Youth Month is an important commemoration because it recognises the contributions and potential of young people in society. It serves as a reminder of the struggles that young people have faced in the past and the ongoing challenges they continue to face, such as accessing education, employment, and healthcare.
Themba Chauke: It is important to celebrate Youth Day because we are the youth. We need to celebrate what the past generations did for us and the reputation they left for us to live up to.
Yonela Raraza: Youth Month has a significant impact on South Africa and to me, it means gratitude and commemoration to the 1976 youth that took it on themselves with extreme courage and resilience to fight the injustices of the country. I frequently introspect and think of how I can better my community or rather contribute to bettering it. I am constantly conscious that the struggle against apartheid is over, however, the war against systemic oppression is not over, we will always be grateful fo
