Youth Day Celebration in Gqeberha 🗓

The Eastern Cape Premier, Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, along with his Executive Council attended the Youth Day Celebrations in Gqeberha on 16 June 2023, at Issac Wolfson Stadium in KwaZhakele.

This year marks the 47th anniversary of the 1976 Soweto uprising, where hundreds of young people rose up against the brutal apartheid system and ignited resistance around the country. This uprising inspired the nation but also ended with hundreds being brutally killed. In 1994, the new democratic government declared 16 June as National Youth Day and June as Youth Month.

The Youth Month is celebrated under the theme: “Accelerating youth economic emancipation for a sustainable future”.

Premier Mabuyane highlighted the challenges faced by the youth. “Today our youth face a new enemy in poverty, inequality, and unemployment. As the Eastern Cape Government, we call on young people to collaborate with us as we collectively build an inclusive economy, create employment, alleviate poverty, and transform our communities. Let us awaken the spirit of 1976 where young people were actively involved in defining their future and the country they wanted. This generation must continue to build a nation that encourages dialogue, fosters social cohesion and celebrates its heritage.”