By REGINALD KANYANE
16 June 2025 – The National Assembly (NA) has joined South Africans in commemorating Youth Day. The NA said on 16 June 1976, over 500 protesting youths were massacred by heavily armed apartheid security forces in Soweto, while hundreds more sustained injuries.
The NA speaker, Thoko Didiza said among those brutally killed were Hastings Ndlovu, the first child to die in the shootings and Hector Pieterson (12). Didiza said led by Tsietsi Mashinini, the youth had taken to the streets 49 years ago, to protest the imposition of an Afrikaans-centred educational policy and the oppressive apartheid regime at large.
“This tragedy became a rallying point that inspired a nation and led a people to rise up against the brutal apartheid system.
“Each year on this day, South Africans reflect on the contribution of the 1976 generation, which sparked a massive wave of resistance against the regime and inspired the oppressed black majority to rise against the apartheid machinery,” she said.
Didiza further said this day’s significance cannot be overemphasised. She added that they must honour the legacy of the class of 1976 by reaffirming their commitment to equipping the nation’s youth with the skills, opportunities and platforms needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy.
The Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane said this year, Youth Day is commemorated under the theme, “Skills for the changing world – empowering youth for meaningful economic emancipation”.
Mtshweni-Tsipane said youth matters are under sharp focus as the country champions Africa’s interests in the G20 agenda, especially on the climate economy and advancing technology for job creation. She said in reflecting on this year’s theme, they need to recognise that economic emancipation is not just a goal, but a necessity for sustainable development and social justice.
“South Africa’s youth, who constitute over a third of the population, face an unemployment rate of 46.1%, with 3.7 million young people not in education, employment or training.
“The Fourth Industrial Revolution, climate change, and shifting labour markets demand a workforce adept in digital literacy, green technologies and entrepreneurial innovation,” said Mtshweni-Tsipane.
She said despite these various challenges, including socio-economic obstacles, the youth are resilient, resourceful and actively engaged in various aspects of society. Mtshweni-Tsipane said many young people have been at the forefront of social and political movements, advocating for change and addressing issues such as gender inequality, racial discrimination and environmental sustainability, among others.
“Parliament acknowledges that without targeted interventions, this generation risks further marginalisation.
“Parliament over the past 30 years has worked tirelessly to ensure that the legal framework addresses the challenges facing the country’s youth,” she said.
The Guardian 