Miss Earth South Africa finalist Odirile Sepeng said Youth Day is a time to reflect on how far South Africa has come in addressing youth issues. “We must also never forget the challenges the youth of 1976 went through so that we could all enjoy our freedom today.”
Sepeng said she is spending Youth Day at Yenzani Children’s Home.
Miss Commonwealth South Africa finalist Laverne Asante said, “I believe the Youth Month is significant because we celebrate the influence young people have in society. We also remember all that those who came before us fought for.”
Mrs South Africa finalist Lindela Garane said, “Youth Month celebrates the sacrifices and lives of those who died fighting for freedom.” She added that the youth played a huge role in shining a spotlight on the segregation brought by the apartheid regime.
The City of Joburg’s Department of Public Safety visited Blue Hills College in Midrand to encourage the youth to take part in crucial life-saving skills in their communities. MMC for Public Safety Sello Lemao said, “Young people must partake in the City’s vision for winter safety, road safety and ending drug abuse in South Africa.”