National Youth Development Agency executive chairman

A critical phase for the Struggle for freedom undoubtedly remains the June 16 1976 student uprisings in Soweto.

Protest action by learners across the length and breadth of South Africa heralded a new era in the fight for liberation.

It is in their militancy and informed radicalism that a call for a youth development cadre is inevitable. This can only arise if youth development remains an apex priority in the government’s agenda for sustainable, inclusive growth.

The youth of ’76 taught us the importance of loving one’s country. It is in this context that in celebrating their heroism, we should engender social cohesion and nation building.

Safety of young women and children must be everyone’s responsibility. Our sisters also carried out an important act of heroism during apartheid. Inhumane acts of abuse, rape and violence obliterate their contributions in the fight for freedom.

As we celebrate the 41st anniversary of June 16 1976, under the theme Year of OR Tambo: Advancing Youth Economic Empowerment, we dare not forget lessons that continue to shape our leadership:

● No development of society can happen outside its youth;

● Youth development policy should move from paper to practice; and

● Youth development is everyone’s business.