Deputy President Paul Mashatile will speak at the 48th anniversary of Youth Day at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Limpopo, on Sunday.

According to the Presidency, the commemoration will focus on ‘actively embracing the socio-economic gains of our democracy’.

The annual event recollects the sacrifices of South Africa’s youth in the fight for democracy, an event immortalised by the Soweto Uprising of 16 June 1976.

‘This important national day provides an opportunity, for our country, to commemorate and honour the bravery of young people and to champion youth development in South Africa,’ the Presidency said.

In his speech, Mashatile will highlight the progress made in improving the lives of young people and reflect on the remaining challenges, which require immediate attention.

Government, working together with all relevant stakeholders, said it will continue to promote initiatives aimed at improving the physical and mental well-being of young people.

The State said it was also addressing the chal
lenge of substance abuse, crime and gender-based violence, and promoting academic excellence and economic participation, as well as improving efforts to strengthen solidarity and social cohesion amongst the youth.

The commemoration will also have an expo, which will showcase opportunities relating to skills training, learnerships, bursaries, careers and entrepreneurship.

The province will also host a marathon in the morning, bringing together young people with various sporting personalities and government representatives, followed by a cultural programme, which will include a music concert, cultural dances, and poetry.

Various leaders including Ministers Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Maropene Ramokgopa and Ronald Lamola, Limpopo Premier-elect Dr Phophi Ramathuba and National Youth Development Agency Chairperson Asanda Luwaca, will accompany the Deputy President.

Source: South African Government News Agency