Youth day remains one of the most important public holidays on South Africa’s calendar. On this day in 1976, unarmed student took to the streets of Soweto to peacefully protest against the racist and unjust bantu education system. The defenceless students were ruthlessly shot at by the Apartheid police and many lost their lives.
As the country commemorates the bravery and selflessness of the young people who sacrificed their lives in South Africa’s liberation struggle, we ask our readers what the day mean for them. We also ask our readers to evaluate the progress which has been made to construct a prosperous, safe, free, just and equitable society.
While there is tangible progress which has been made, key issues such as poverty, corruption, crime, access to quality and affordable education, land, high unemployment amongst other pressing matters remain a challenge. We take a look at some of the messages on social media celebrating the day but also highlighting the challenges the country faces.
Education.
https://twitter.com/Seabelomodibedi/status/743354328677683200
Oppression: Reflecting on the unjust and oppressive Apartheid regime.
Celebrating freedom.
Respecting struggle heroes. Remembering the young people who sacrificed their lives during the struggle for freedom.
https://twitter.com/SpheDludla/status/743330601390923776
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10209684251085579&set=a.10209684251005577.1073741842.1308848753&type=3&theater
Our selection of messages which highlight the prevailing challenges on access to quality and affordable education and corruption
https://twitter.com/GateInv/status/743339340609163265
