This year marked the 46th anniversary of the June 16, 1976 student uprising in Soweto.

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Youth today continue to fight poverty and unemployment.

As we close Youth Month, GCN spoke to Nelsie Mbowane, a young nurse from Bertha Gxowa Care Centre, about what youth month means to her.

“It means freedom. The youth of 1976 paved the way for us to get better education and opportunities. Even though it’s not always the case.

“To get an education and a job I would encourage young people to look around and identify what they can do

“Times have changed and there are opportunities.

Sometimes they need to think outside the box or even start your own business,” said Mbowane.

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Her passion for nursing came from observing those in the profession.

“Nursing is a calling. It calls for a person who cares and you must be loving, hardworking and passionate. It is not just a job,” said Mbowane.

“As health providers, we try our best to give health information but at the end of the day, it depends on individuals as they have to make their own decision about their health.

“Seeing victims of abuse become survivors also fulfills me,” she said.

She advises young people to choose careers that are relevant and in demand.