Premier Sisi Ntombela said that the bravery and commitment of the youth from 1976 built a solid foundation for the democracy of today referencing the Soweto uprising - a series of demonstrations and protests led by black school children in South Africa that began on the morning of 16 June 1976.

In a statement, Ntombela that young people today are faced with pressing challenges such as unemployment, crime, substance abuse, gender based violence and teenage pregnancy. Ntombela also focused on the importance of young people playing an active role in shaping the future of the province despite being hard hit by unemployment and social ills.

She further called on the youth of the province to to rally behind provincial government to be able to achieve its mandate of improving lives of the citizens.

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On 16 June 1976, students from numerous Sowetan schools began to protest in the streets of Soweto in response to the introduction of Afrikaans as the medium of instruction in local schools. It is estimated that 20,000 students took part in the protests.

Ntombela also committed her self to empowering young people within the province. She says the province boasts 9 000 bursary holders, mostly from poor households, at local and international institutions. She concluded that the province has already made strides in alleviating poverty, inequality and unemployment, however more works still has to be done.

OFM News previously reported that Ntombela had stated that over 41% of the youth remain unemployed and it’s a reality that needs a coordinated and strategic effort to bring to a halt.

OFM News