Deputy minister in the Presidency Buti Manamela offered the youth of the country some classic words of wisdom during Heritage Day celebrations in Cape Town on Wednesday.

“School is Cool! Don’t Do Drugs,” were just some of the words of  encouragement Manamela suggested in a speech prepared for delivery in Gugulethu.

Manamela also encouraged the youth to share their stories “firmly, radically [and] without fear” through arts and culture.

“As compared to our parents, we are better placed and have more opportunities presented by the democratic dispensation,” he said.

“Thus, we will sing a different tune and tell a different story about how ours was more to move South Africa forward.”

However, Manamela urged that young people should remain respectful.”Being militant does not mean we should be rude and display lack  of discipline.”

He said such behaviour would be seen as “unAfrican and uncultured. “In many instances, our right to hold an opinion will diminish as fast as we raise our finger towards other people in a sign of disrespect.”

Last week, the EFF’s Chief Whip and former ANC Youth League spokesman Floyd Shivambu showed Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa  the middle finger in Parliament.

Heritage Day is a public holiday in South Africa where people are encouraged to celebrate the many cultures in the country and their heritage. 

-Sapa