By Lloyd Govindsamy
What was once a crime has become the norm for the learners of Buffelsdale Secondary School who will be celebrating Youth Day, on 16 June, with their friends from different races and different background.
Sitting on the school steps as one, united in their remembrance the sacrifice made by struggle heroes and the youth of 1976, the learners celebrate nd enjoy the freedom that was once a dream under the Apartheid regime. “Without the youth of 1976, learners, our age we would not be sitting here like this and be friends with people from other races,” said Megan Pillay.
He said: “The youth of 1976 were brave to take a stand against such an oppressive state. Without their actions contributing to the struggle of freedom we, as the youth of day, would not be able to enjoy the equality of life and education that were are getting today. Their efforts need to be recognised. Although the South African government has not fulfilled their promises and unemployment is at an all time high, I still remain optimistic that the youth of today will still have a better future.”
Pillay along with his peers and the rest of the nation will be celebrating Youth Day on Thursday under the theme ‘Promoting sustainable livelihood and resilience of young people for a better tomorrow’. This year will mark the 25th edition of the national holiday that recognises the lives lost and those who survive the Soweto Uprising, when learners from different schools marched in protested against Afrikaans as a medium of instruction in schools.
Known as the Soweto Uprising, which sparked protests around the country, the day is commemorated by honouring the brave who took a stand against oppression. It is also a day to focus on education, employment and development of youth. With youth unemployment at an all time high some are fearful of the future while others still remain optimistic.
Grade 9 learner at Buffelsdale Secondary School, Pamela Soyikwa said Youth Day should always be remembered as the day that the youth took a stand for what they believed in. “However, it is also a time for us to reflect on ourselves. As the youth of the nation, we need to be confident in ourselves and what we hope to achieve. I don’t believe the future for the youth is bright but I remain optimistic. Government promises us so much but doesn’t deliver. They promised jobs but many people are still unemployed. They also promised free education but those who can’t afford it are still asked to pay.”
Lwandle Ndhlo, a Grade 10 learner, said Youth Day holds a special meaning to her. “While growing up I always listened to stories from my grandmother about the struggle for freedom and the blood shed along the way. Being a youth of today means I am a product of that fight. It means we are better exposed to the cultures of other South Africans and we are able to build better relationships with each other.”
Despite the freedoms enjoyed today, Ndhlo does not believe the youth are exposed to enough opportunities for growth. She “South Africa’s economy isn’t doing well. As the youth we need to be able to find new avenues to become successful.”
Thembile Cele, also in Grade 10, believes that the future of South African youth will improve with new government leadership. “From alleged corruption to looting and other negative factors, it would be hard to say the future for the youth is bright. I would encourage the youth to work hard in school, learn as much as you can and stay away from social ills. Build your future and keep a strong mindset,” she said.
Their educator, Miss J Naidoo, is firm in her belief that the youth are the future. Her passion for teaching is fuelled by her love for children.
She said: “The liberation and struggle for fair and quality education needs to be commemorated. Many community members feel that government has not yet delivered on promises made to them, in terms of education, social welfare and healthcare. As much we would like to see our youth striving for excellence and looking towards a brighter future, many have become despondent due to the lack of opportunities in their career fields and future living.”
The management and staff of Tongaat and Verulam Tabloid along with the learners of Buffelsdale Secondary School wish all our readers and advertisers a peaceful and safe Youth Day.
