Potchefstroom: Deputy President Shiphokosa Paulus Mashatile will, on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa, deliver the keynote address at the 2025 Youth Day commemoration and career exhibition event, set to take place in the North West Province. The event will see hundreds of young people gather on Monday, 16 June 2025, at the North West University (NWU) Rag Farm Stadium, situated in the JB Marks Local Municipality.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Deputy President emphasized the significance of addressing youth unemployment during this year’s Youth Day commemoration. He highlighted that government is focusing on strong collaboration between education, skills, and economic development sectors to connect youth with opportunities to mitigate unemployment challenges. The theme for this year’s National Youth Day events is ‘Skills for the Changing World – Empowering Youth for Meaningful Economic Participation,’ urging government entities and strategic partners to bridge the gap between skills development programs and available services for youth economic advancement.
June 16 is recognized as National Youth Day in South Africa, commemorating the vital role of young people in the liberation struggle, particularly the student uprising of 16 June 1976. The uprising significantly raised political consciousness and spurred protests against the oppressive apartheid regime. The peaceful demonstrations in 1976 were met with severe force, leading to the tragic loss of lives, including Hector Pieterson, whose death became a symbol of the brutality worldwide.
South Africa continues to honor the youth of 1976 while celebrating the contributions of today’s youth, who constitute 34% of the country’s population. During the Youth Day Commemorative event, Deputy President Mashatile will be joined by Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie, Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga, North West Province Premier Lazarus Mokgosi, Acting CEO of the National Youth Development Agency Mafiki Duma, along with mayors, senior government officials, and young trailblazers.