AZAPO and PAC join hands to commemorate Youth Day

The Azanian People’s Organisation (AZAPO) together with the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC) hosted a June 16 commemoration event at the Garden of Remembrance situated at Avalon Cemetery this this past weekend.

The event was aimed at paying respect to the fallen heroes of the Soweto Uprising and leaders of these two organisations.

It was hosted under the theme, ‘Reverse the betrayal of the sacrifices paid with the blood of the youth of 1976’ a call to all young people of South Africa to stand up and play their part in the country’s democratic process.

ALSO READ: Local foundation commemorates Youth Day in Diepkloof

Leaders of both parties called on South Africans to never forget where they come from and that there are people who died for the freedoms which are enjoyed today.

They also lashed out at the country’s current state of affairs as the ruling ANC prepares to go to a Government of National Unity with the DA.

Nelvis Qekema, leader of AZAPO said, “It is time for us to wake up. We are now told about something we never knew, a Government of National Unity.

In that Government of National Unity there is no nation and there is no unity because the black nation is not there.

“In fact what is happening is that the white supremacists, the puppets and the sell-outs are now through our own and those who were with us in the trenches going to rule us legitimately this time.”

ALSO READ: Youth centre commemorates Youth Day in memorable moments

Qekema continued to say they were at Avalon to tell their fallen leaders and all those that led the Soweto Uprising that black people are still living in informal settlements and they are still poor 30 years after democracy.

Avalon is the resting place of leaders such as Tsietsi Mashinini, Khotso Seatlholo, Zephania Mothopeng, Hastings Ndlovu and many others. Wreath-laying ceremonies were conducted at the graves of these fallen heroes as a sign of respect, 48 years after the Soweto Uprising.