On June 16, 46 years ago, brave young women and men in Soweto and other parts of our country rose up against injustice. They took a stand against a cruel and unjust system.
The youth of 1976 lit a fire of resistance that the racist government would not be able to extinguish, no matter how hard they tried. We salute them. We owe our liberation to them and many others who sacrificed so we could all be free today. South Africa is a better place than it was then, but today we are fighting a different struggle as many young people are unemployed, drug addicts, involved in crime and our youth continues to face more challenges.
It is the focus of our current administration under the leadership of the Executive Mayor: Peter Teixeira, to ensure that our young people in Midvaal are given access to opportunities so they can better themselves, that they can drive change in their communities and contribute to a better environment for all. I once again affirm my commitment as a young leader to supporting our young people in every stage of life.
My goal is that we become a Municipality where every young person has a place to go – whether in further education and training, in skills development, in work experience, in entrepreneurship, in youth service or in formal employment.
Through our social partnerships and youth-focused programmes, I am committed to unlocking the full potential of our young people. My commitment is irrevocable. I will continue to support our young people from cradle right through to young adulthood. I call on our young people to keep in mind that their social status should no longer be a barrier to being educated and becoming skilled because we recognise that a country that invests in its youth is clearly on the road to prosperity and that is where we want to be. Armed with the tools of change, infused with the spirit of selflessness and service, our collective resolve strengthened, we can transform this country.Wherever you may be, I wish you all had a blessed Youth Day.
