Ahead of one of the biggest holidays in SA, Youth Day, eight local celebs share what this day means to them.
ACTRESS, BOITY THULO
June 16 is still relevant; I think all the South African holidays we have that helped shape our country are all relevant. Youth day is a reminder of how far we’ve come and an appreciation day for the 1976 youth for all they did.
ZAZIWA PRESENTER – PEARL MODIADIE
June 16 for me represents a turning point for South Africa where the youth were brave enough to stand up and fight for what they deeply believed in. I applaud the youth of 1976 for taking a stand and teaching the rest of us that it’s not OK to tolerate what goes against who you are as a person! They will always go down in history as the bravest young-stars ever.
ACTRESS MBALI MLOTSHWA
Most of the time, the power of a country depends on the youth. What happened in 1976 was just the beginning, I respect what that youth of 1976 stood for. Youth day is a reminder that we, the youth, have a lot to live for.
ACTRESS, JESSICA NKOSI
Youth day is a day for appreciation. We have to appreciate what the youth from 1976 went through for us. We are able to go to multiracial schools, because of them. We are free in so many ways. It’s a reminder not to take things for granted because there are people who died for us to have this freedom.
PRESENTER, SADE GILIBERTI
Besides the history behind it, which is the main aim of the day, to me it’s a day where the youth is recognised in this country. It’s a time for us to come together and not just to party our public holiday away. We, the youth, are the future. What we say matters, makes a difference, proves a point, paves the way for our futures to be better.
ACTRESS, THEMBISA KANI
I think youth day is extremely relevant and an integral part of society. Not only are we reminded about how history has shaped us. We get a spring board to shape our today. So as a mother, what I do today will influence how my children live in the future. So the youth should realise that it starts with them today and continues with the generation tomorrow.
ACTRESS, SALAMINA MOSESE
Youth day will always be relevant because it’s a day that celebrates the future of the country. The young people of a country needs to be encouraged to better themselves, to fight for the future and for better opportunities and youth day should always be a reminder of this. It’s a chance to reflect on what it is that we as young people need to equip ourselves with, in order to ensure that we are ready to take our rightful place in history.
ACTRESS, ROSIE MOTENE
Our youth is still suffering. The fact that we have to demand text books at schools is disgusting. The pass rate being lowered is pathetic, in no way is it preparing them for the real world and university standards. Their protection is not adhered to. Just last week a young girl was raped, the police arrived and they took the rapists side by letting him go and telling her to sleep despite her pleading for medical attention. For me youth day still reflects suffering and inequality.
