In 1975 protests led by black school children started in schools after a directive from the then Bantu Education Department that Afrikaans had to be used on an equal basis with English as a language of instruction in secondary schools. The issue was not so much Afrikaans as the whole system of Bantu education which was characterised by separate schools and universities, poor facilities, overcrowded classrooms and inadequately trained teachers.

 

On June 16, 1976, more than 20 000 pupils from Soweto began a protest march. In the wake of clashes with the police and the violence that ensued during the next few weeks, approximately 700 hundred people, many of them youths, were killed and property destroyed.

The commemoration of Youth Day this year marks the 37th anniversary of that uprising and the Miss South Africa 2023 Top 12 finalists explain what the day means to them:

 

Ané Oosthuysen (25), from Vanderbijlpark, Vaal Triangle in Gauteng, is a primary school teacher and a four-time graduate with degrees in Psychology and Medical Sociology.

What does Youth Day mean to you and why do you believe it is important that South Africans commemorate it?

As South Africans we commemorate Youth Day as remembrance of the youth of 1976 and what transpired in Soweto on June 16 that year. On this day we think back on how young people were ambushed by the apartheid regime police and how around 700 people, including school students, were killed. This tragic occurrence forms such a vital part of the history of our nation and it’s important for South Africans to understand its importance. By reflecting and understanding the history of this day, we can remember how far we have come and work towards a better future to ensure that it doesn’t happen again. 

How have you spent/celebrated the day in the past and any special memories or moments?

A few years ago a group of friends and I visited a nearby school in our community where we talked about Youth Day and why we celebrate it. This was so inspiring, not only because we were able to educate the youth, but we could also empower them and show them how important it is to show up for yourself and what you believe in. 

 

Anke Rothmann (23) is a pharmacist intern representing the Northern Cape. She obtained her Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from the North West University in Potchefstroom.

What does Youth Day mean to you and why do you believe it is important that South Africans commemorate it?

Youth Day is a day of honouring and remembrance of what happened on June 16, 1976 to the young South Africans who opposed the apartheid regime in the streets of Soweto. We should always commemorate our history, since history is one of the best teachers and we should always use it as a tool of remembrance. Remembering where we came from and where we are now, always delivers a new perspective of thankfulness. 

How have you spent/celebrated the day in the past and any special memories or moments?

At school one year we celebrated Youth Day by painting pictures of the new South African flag. We did it as an honouring to the new democratic South Africa and to celebrate the fact that we have come so far since that day.

 

Bryoni Govender (26) is from Kempton Park in Gauteng and is a qualified lawyer working as a trainee associate while awaiting admission to become an attorney.

What does Youth Day mean to you and why do you believe it is important that South Africans commemorate it?

Youth Day commemorates some 700 people who were killed for the protest against the Bantu education at the time. While I strongly believe that this fight is still being fought for many, I do think that we have come a long way transforming the 1976 narrative. I think that it is very important to remember this fight on Youth Day and celebrate our transformation education, so as to not repeat the same atrocities in future. 

How have you spent/celebrated the day in the past and any special memories or moments?

Previously I did not do anything special to celebrate and create memories for this day, other than wear my high school uniform to ensure awareness of Youth Day.

 

Homba Mazaleni (23), from Gonubie, East London in the Eastern Cape, is a qualified sport scientist and student intern at the University of the Western Cape.

What does Youth Day mean to you and why do you believe it is important that South Africans commemorate it?

We commemorate Youth Day to pay tribute to the significant role that young people like Hector Pieterson played in history and continue to play in shaping our society. Youth Day stands as a call to action to address the ongoing inequalities that persist, including barriers to education, employment and equal opportunities. It serves as a reminder to work towards creating a society where every young person can flourish and contribute their unique talents and perspectives to building a better tomorrow.
How have you spent/celebrated the day in the past and any special memories or moments?
On Youth Day I spend my time organising women's cricket games, promoting inclusivity and empowering female athletes in my community. The day begins with preparations, gathering equipment and encouraging young women to participate. As the games commence, the atmosphere is filled with excitement and unity. Through sports, barriers dissolve and women find their voices. These connections and experiences form a foundation for ongoing initiatives that advance gender equality and support the talents of young individuals. Youth Day inspires me to advocate for equal opportunities and empower youth to make a lasting impact.

 

Jordan van der Vyver (27), from Durbanville, Western Cape, is a model and businesswoman who recently embarked on an entrepreneurial journey as the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of an online pioneering platform.

What does Youth Day mean to you and why do you believe it is important that South Africans commemorate it?

By celebrating Youth Day, we honour the bravery and resilience of those young activists who fought for justice and sparked a nationwide movement. It serves as a reminder of the power of youth voices and their ability to effect change. Youth Day also serves as an opportunity to reflect on the progress made since then and to acknowledge the ongoing challenges faced by the youth today. Celebrating Youth Day is an affirmation of our commitment to empowering and uplifting the next generation. By acknowledging and celebrating Youth Day, we acknowledge the importance of youth as catalysts for positive transformation, ensuring that their voices are heard, and their aspirations are nurtured.

How have you spent/celebrated the day in the past and any special memories or moments?

Youth Day held a special place in our school days, where we celebrated by paying a fee to wear casual clothes, the proceeds of which were donated. We paid homage to the courageous youth of 1976, serving as a powerful reminder that the youth possess immense strength and influence. This annual occasion instilled in us the belief that our voices mattered, no matter our age. It unified us with friends, as we embraced the spirit of solidarity while honouring the past. Youth Day continues to inspire us, reaffirming that young individuals are catalysts for change and highlighting the enduring power of unity among the youth.

 

Keaoleboga Nkashe (27), from Itsoseng in the North West, is an educator, student and model. She describes herself as a lifelong learner with a great sense of humour that connects people.

What does Youth Day mean to you and why do you believe it is important that South Africans commemorate it?

Youth Day to me is a reminder of how much power the youth of South Africa hold and how much strength there is in numbers. The commemoration of the day therefore is important as we celebrate the baton being passed on to the youth of 2023. It is an acknowledgement of the responsibility we as the youth now have and a call for us to stand up and truly use our power by standing up against injustice and wrongdoings in so doing continuing the race to achieve an inclusive , truly diverse and free South Africa.

How have you spent/celebrated the day in the past and any special memories or moments?

The most memorable event I attended on Youth Day was in a village near my home called Verdwaal in the North West, where both my parents grew up and spent most of their youth. In 2016 my cousin and I dressed up in our old uniforms and attended a festival at the soccer stadium where local artists performed and the municipal leaders gave a talk and encouraged the youth to find progressive solutions to better our community.

 

Lebohang Raputsoe (24) is from Sharpeville, Vereeniging in Gauteng, and works as an HR practitioner. She is registered as an HR professional with SABPP and holds a Master’s degree in Human Resources management and degrees in Industrial Psychology and Labour Relations Management.

What does Youth Day mean to you and why do you believe it is important that South Africans commemorate it?

To me Youth Day means understanding our rights. It’s a reminder that we must speak on issues that pertain to the outcome of our future. And not just on this day, but every day of our lives as we still fight access to quality education, employment, information and resources to empower ourselves and progress successfully and purposefully. It is important that we not be distracted, but understand what this day means and address social issues accordingly. There is more to celebrate, we are just not there yet. 

How have you spent/celebrated the day in the past and any special memories or moments?

I have not celebrated this day in the past as I have always felt that the day means more than just wearing a school uniform. To subject it to something that is not sustainable is why I have decided to speak on the progression of youth in society and to implore others to do the same.

 

Levern “Donnatella” José (23), from Kimberley in the Northern Cape, is a candidate property practitioner, a BCom law student at Eduvos Pretoria and an entrepreneur.

What does Youth Day mean to you and why do you believe it is important that South Africans commemorate it?

Although I believe a good fight was fought in 1976, we still have to continue the fight to transform our current education system and to empower the youth of South Africa.

How have you spent/celebrated the day in the past and any special memories or moments?

The youth of today have their own set of challenges and, in the current context of South Africa, I find it difficult to celebrate Youth Day as many young people are unemployed, and accessing resources is challenging. Although the youth are told they are the future leaders of tomorrow they are still undermined and viewed as people who do not have solutions for the major problems in South Africa. The challenges we face today have a significant impact on our wellbeing and limit the progress of our people in order to live a dignified life.

 

Lungo Katete (26) from Midrand in Johannesburg, Gauteng, is a creative at heart with a flair for all things design. This led her to achieve her Bachelors, Honours and Master’s degrees in Architecture from the University of the Witwatersrand.

What does Youth Day mean to you and why do you believe it is important that South Africans commemorate it?

To me Youth Day symbolises the power and resilience of those that came before us in a fight to shape our future. It commemorates the brave youth who fought against an oppressive education system. This day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those individuals and their unwavering dedication to justice and equality. I believe it is important for South Africans to commemorate Youth Day to honour the past, learn from it and inspire current and future generations to champion positive transformation. By acknowledging and understanding our history, we are able to empower the youth to continue striving for a society that embraces inclusivity and prosperity.

How have you spent/celebrated the day in the past and any special memories or moments?

Over the years I have celebrated Youth Day with my family and those that are dear to my heart. Although very simple, each year we go out of our way to buy various ingredients, braai and create a feast to enjoy as a family. This moment together allows us the opportunity to pay tribute to the remarkable individuals who fought for a better future and left an enduring impact on our society. These moments of togetherness and remembrance make Youth Day a cherished and meaningful experience for me and my family.

 

Melissa Nayimuli (27) from Butterworth in the Eastern Cape, was born in a multi-cultural home to a Xhosa mother and Ugandan father. She is a passionate storyteller and currently works as a television and film creative producer in Johannesburg.

What does Youth Day mean to you and why do you believe it is important that South Africans commemorate it?

Youth Day is important to me because it is proof that when young people decide that it is time for change, change happens. It is a validation of how powerful our voices can be when we work together. We commemorate it because the work is not complete. As young people, it is up to us to ensure that the students who laid down their lives on that fateful day did not do so in vain. Their sacrifice provided a better future for us today and even though we are not where we should be, as there is still a lot of struggles we face, it is our responsibility to take the baton in order to shape the future in which we, and the next generation want to live in. 

What does Youth Day mean to you and why do you believe it is important that South Africans commemorate it?

The memory that jumps to mind when I reflect back on how I’ve spent Youth Day in the past is watching the movie Sarafina in my history class. As much as we would write essays and assignments about Youth Day throughout the year, seeing a visual representation of the harrowing events, made it more real for me, and gave me a small glimpse of just how significant and how bi a sacrifice was made for the freedoms I enjoy today. 

 

Nande Mabala (25), from Zwelethemba, Worcester in the Western Cape, is a model, micro-influencer, philanthropist and a triple major BA Arts graduate.

What does Youth Day mean to you and why do you believe it is important that South Africans commemorate it?

Youth Day to me means honouring the power and potential of the youth in our nation. On this day we should take time to recognise our talents, aspirations and what we want to contribute to society. It is important to commemorate because it reminds us to support and empower young people to provide them with opportunities to thrive.

How have you spent/celebrated the day in the past and any special memories or moments?

In the past, I have celebrated it by going to high schools where we watched youth performances, be it reciting a poem, drama piece or dance piece, which always made me feel inclusive and realise that every young person can dream big and achieve their goals. This Youth Day let us embrace the spirit of change and inspire a better tomorrow.

 

Natasha Joubert (25), from Tshwane in Gauteng, is a BCom Marketing Management graduate and is the owner and fashion designer of Natalia Jefferys, a company she started when she was 19.

What does Youth Day mean to you and why do you believe it is important that South Africans commemorate it?

I've had a conversation with some of my fellow finalists, and the conversation was eye-opening. We hear of this tragic day but don't realise it's still a problem. Our history must always be acknowledged. We can't move forward if we don't know where we come from. 

June 16, 1976 was a heavy day and a remarkable one for our youth. Children and scholars protesting just to express themselves in their own language and fighting for their own representation. Today, we still struggle with that problem. Many students face the fact that they don't have a school in their community that includes their home language. This is a day we should always reflect back on and acknowledge the fact that there is still a lot of change and authority desperately need!

How have you spent/celebrated the day in the past and any special memories or moments?

It's a day to reflect and never forget. We use the word "celebrate" too easily in the wrong context. Many are not even aware what a tragic day it was. Violence was chosen over taking action. I try and have conversations with many people who are still affected and try and keep that remarkable day alive.

 

The 2023 winner will be crowned at Sun International’s flagship venue, the SunBet Arena at Time Square, Pretoria on Sunday, August 13. It promises to be a spectacular and entertainment-packed show and will fittingly take place during Women’s Month.

 

Miss South Africa is presented by Weil Entertainment in association with Sun International.

 

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