Youth Day in Willowmore

By Destine Nde

‘In the treatment of the child, the world foreshadows its own future and faith. All words and all thinking lead to the child— to that vast immortality and wide sweep of infinite possibilities which the child represents.’ — W.E.B. Du Bois

///////////////////////////////////////

South Africa’s 49th National Youth Day was celebrated last Monday. While many young people today are probably not aware of this, it commemorates the Youth Uprising in Soweto on 16 June 1976 when young people marched in protest against ‘Bantu education’, and changed the course of South African history.

This year, Youth Day was commemorated under the theme “Skills for a changing world – empowering youth for meaningful economic emancipation”.

In a statement, the presiding officers of parliament said the day’s significance could not be overemphasised, adding: “We must honour the legacy of the class of 1976 by reaffirming our commitment to equipping the nation’s youth with the skills, opportunities and platforms needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy.”

In similar vein, the South African Cultural Observatory – a research programme funded by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture – said this year’s theme called for a collective effort to address challenges such as unemployment, education disparities, and social inequalities that continue to affect the youth.

The day’s focus would be on honouring the legacy of the past while empowering the youth to build a sustainable and inclusive future.

It continued: ‘As we stand on the shoulders of the brave youth of 1976, we are reminded that every generation carries the torch of change. The youth of today are not just heirs to a legacy of resistance, they are architects of a new South Africa. Through creativity, innovation, and cultural pride, they hold the power to rewrite the nation’s story.’

/////////////////////////////

Given these ambitious and rather lofty aspirations, I took a particular interest in how Youth Day was commemorated in Willowmore.

It started at 8 am with a procession that began in the residential area and made its way to the sports grounds. Girls dressed as majorettes – with colourful uniforms and headgear — marched to the beat of a brass and drum band, waving blue, red and black flags. The procession was led by two boys, riding bareback on two horses, one brown and the other white.

At the Sports Ground there were a few speeches, followed by soccer and rugby games. To my surprise, I learnt that the event had not been organised by a youth organisation or government department, but by the Silver Stream Centre for the Aged.

Specifically, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture – which is meant to play a leading role in promoting Youth Day – was nowhere in sight.

One of the referees was Miss Pumesa, an official of the Department of Social Development. After her game, she explained that, while the department had not funded the event, it did fund the Silver Stream Centre.

‘I’m just here as a social worker,’ she said. ‘My colleague, Nombulelo Thea, was supposed to represent the department, but she is presently on leave.’

Next, I spoke to three representatives of the Silver Stream Centre — Theresa Barnard (assistant Chair), Maria Maree (assistant secretary), and Elizabeth Rax (an active member). They explained that, while the Centre’s main mission was caring for elderly people, it also worked to support and uplift the young, by teaching them core values and the importance of sport.

I asked them what had inspired them to organise this event. ‘If we didn’t’, Elizabeth said angrily, ‘absolutely nothing would have happened today. All the government departments in Willowmore were contacted, but none have shown up.

‘We’re also very disappointed with the SAPS. Officers were supposed to lead us, but they didn’t come, so we used the horses instead. The mayor and executive mayor were informed, but neither responded.

‘The schools have failed us as well. Look around — there are mostly children here. Where are all the youths? They’re either drunk, or high on drugs. This is exactly why we need to intervene.

‘As you can see, there are no refreshments today – only some oranges, which were donated. We want to organise a Game Day for children and young people to keep them busy during the holidays, and we also want to start a soup kitchen. But we do need donations.’

A community member, Menza Zola, expressed similar sentiments. ‘There’s total lack of visibility’, he said. ‘Today is Youth Day, but where are the government departments?’

He nevertheless added a positive message for young people: ‘You are the future of this country, and education and sport are your keys.’

All this have brought to mind the question Maeder Osler, Toverview’s founder and editor-in-chief,  asked in a recent post: ‘Are we any closer to the ideals that Youth Day is meant to represent?’