Protests erupted ahead of the government’s Youth Day 2025 celebrations in Potchefstroom in the North West. Several key events are expected to kick off today to commemorate 16 June.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile is set to deliver the keynote address at North West University’s Rag Farm Stadium in Potchefstroom. However, community members are protesting outside the area, demanding jobs and better service delivery. The event is expected to kick off at 9 am.
The theme for this year’s celebrations is ‘Skills for the Changing World – Empowering Youth for Meaningful Economic Participation’. According to the Presidency, the Youth Day event will call for government entities and their strategic partners to accelerate and enhance meaningful interventions. While also bridging the gap between skills developmentprogrammes and services available for youth to realise economic gain.
YOUTH DAY EVENTS EXPECTED THROUGHOUT MZANSI
Leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Julius Malema is set to address the party’s 16 June rally at King Zwelithini Stadium in KwaZulu-Natal. The political party’s Manqoba Dlamini spoke to SABC News during the memorial service of a student activist, Mlungisi Madonsela, who was fatally shot in 2019 after an altercation outside the Steve Biko campus in Durban.
Dlamini said the 16 June event will be held to address the country’s injustices, while also addressing Madonsela’s case. The event is expected to take place at 12 pm. uMkhonto weSizwe Party president, Jacob Zuma, will deliver his keynote speech today at the Christianenburg Sports Stadium in Clermont, Durban. The Youth Day celebrations will also serve as the political party’s official launch of the MK Youth League.
Meanwhile, in Mpumalanga, the Democratic Alliance (DA) will host a Youth Day March at 11:15 am. The party says it plans to champion jobs and dignity.
HOW ARE YOU SPENDING YOUTH DAY?
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