Where are we going with the baton passed by the brave youth of 1976?

AS South Africa commemorates the 1976 Soweto uprising, it is an inevitable truth that our youth are under the siege of unemployment, gender-based violence and drug abuse among others.

It’s 46 years since that tragic, fateful day, when our young lions and lionesses faced the siege of their time with brave voices that roared and shook South Africa and the world at large.

South Africa’s history tells the story of a painful journey through which the youth of 1976 went on the day they faced their enemies, which led to a scene of carnage.

That day is engraved in the country’s history because it was the first time high school learners mobilised each other in unity, to fight for their right to fair teaching and learning.

This course by the learners spread to other parts of the country, including KZN; the University of Zululand students joined in the uprising by being in solidarity with the Soweto learners and civil society at large.

Unizulu saw some of their buildings set on fire, and many lives were sacrificed that day and the days following.

The present youth must understand and appreciate in depth the meaning of this actual day in their lives.

Today, as the youth battle multiple struggles, they ought to gain strength from the courage of the youth of 1976, whose courage they also possess: it’s in every one of us.

As the unemployment numbers rise each quarter and corruption steals from the poor, still the youth should know they shouldn’t be scared to always speak the truth to those in power.

No country should watch its youth suffer.

The question will always be asked: what can government do?

However, the real question should be: as civil society, how do we best use what we have in supporting and creating genuine entrepreneurial and employment opportunities for our youth?

It is the duty of society to support its youth - not by empty promises, but by action.

It is very sad to see our youth fighting a battle that seems to have no solution.

No parent should have to bear the pain of seeing their child achieve a degree or diploma from varsity or college, and end up unemployed.

No child deserves the pain of being a graduate and yet not being able to help at home.

However, as a country full of hope, light is among us.

The 1976 youth should inspire us to believe that real change in a country is brought about by its youth.

A Youth Day without reflection on the events of 16 June 1976 is merely a day without meaning.

That day should give direction for the present youth and posterity.

Our predecessors laid the foundation; the young people of 1976 passed the baton.

Where are we as a nation, and where are we headed?

‘Real change is brought about by the country’s youth, who need to be given genuine employment opportunities,’ says analyst NOKWAZI MTHEMBU