[ Home ] [ Speeches & statements ]

12 June 2008

The landmark youth led uprisings of 16 June 1976 that accelerated the downfall of apartheid will be recalled at the Provincial Youth Day Commemoration on 16 June at the Johannesburg Stadium.

Today young people reap many more opportunities as a result of the democracy for which the young generation of 1976 sacrificed.

The commemoration is to take place under the theme: "Entrenching our Democracy: All Youth to the Polls". This is a call for the youth to actively participate in the democratic processes of the country as the key to achieving further progress of a better life for all, including especially the youth of South Africa who indeed are the future.

On the occasion of the 32nd Anniversary of 16 June the Gauteng Provincial Government takes stock of the progress made in promoting the development of young people and rededicates itself to overcoming the challenges to youth development.

"This year the Gauteng Provincial government is paying particular attention to assisting young people to effectively move from the world of education to the world of work, MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Barbara Creecy said.

"Our approach is to ensure that young people have access to quality education that appropriately skills them for the labour market," she said.

The Provincial Youth Day Commemoration is being organized jointly by the Gauteng Provincial Government, the Gauteng Youth Commission, the City of Johannesburg and the June 16 Foundation.

The day's activities will begin at the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum where Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa will be joined by Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, Amos Masondo, Chairperson of the Gauteng Youth Commission, Lebogang Maile, and members of the June 16 Foundation.

The Premier will thereafter deliver a keynote address at Johannesburg Stadium in Bertrams beginning at10h00. The political programme will be followed by entertainment by leading South African artists including T'zozo & Professor, Tuks Senganga, Trompies and DJ Vetkoek and Mahoota.

Media representatives are asked to collect relevant accreditation from the Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation from Wednesday, 11 June between 08h00 and 17h00. at The Department is at:
38 Rissik Street, Nedbank Building, 8th floor, (corner Market Street), Johannesburg.

For more information contact:
Nomazwe Ntlokwana
Tel: 011 355 7525
Cell: 083 507 8068

Issued by: Gauteng Provincial Government
12 June 2008
Source: SAPA