On the
morning of 16 June 1976, black students of Soweto took
to the streets on what was meant to be a peaceful march
against Apartheid and Bantu Education (the introduction
of Afrikaans as the medium of instruction in local
schools). During this march, the police responded with
live ammunition and teargas, killing many students. The
famous photo of Hector Pieterson being carried by
Mbuyisa Makhubo after being shot by South African police
with his sister Antoinette Sithole running beside them,
is amongst the few pictures that are left as a reminder
of the incidences of that sad yet special day.
36 years
later, the lives of the young heroes who lost their
lives to bring about change are celebrated in many ways
throughout the country. June 16 has since been declared
a national public holiday in honour of this day.
The cast of the Youth Day play
June, being
known as Youth month, is a month where all focus is on
youth related issues. It is also a month where the youth
of today showcases its capabilities and talents in
appreciation of the ‘freedom’ they were awarded by the
class of 1976.
On Friday
29 June 2012, the youth of Naval Station Durban
celebrated Youth Day in style by going the extra mile to
prepare various entertainment items for the day. This
celebration was co-ordinated by Vipra Satgoor and the
station social worker Capt (SAMHS) Govender. Their aim
for organising this youth day celebration was to empower
the youth and build their confidence by giving them the
platform to share their knowledge and understanding of
youth day.
The
programme director for the day was Esn Mlondolozi. The
programme was kicked off with a detailed presentation
about the history and significance of Youth Day by Esn
Mashile. The highlight of the day was an entertaining
play directed by Lt Cdr R.B. Dulamo, which was about the
youth in South Africa today. A song item was shared by S
Lt Bob and PO Mshengu. Ms Fezeka Nzuza from the Marie
Stopes Clinic was invited as a special guest to educate
the youth about issues such as HIV, STI’s,
contraceptives and other related issues. A poem of
encouragement to the youth written by Lesley Claire
King, titled The Battle, was shared by LS Ngcongo.
A candle
was lit in memory of the class of 1976, though they are
gone, their lives will forever be honoured and
remembered.
Messages
of encouragement to the youth, from members of NSD
SWO
Mapipa ‘’ You are only regarded as youth once in
your life, the key to open and walk through any
challenges is EDUCATION, SELF RESPECT, HONESTY and
LOVE’’
Capt (SAMHS)
Govender ‘’Believe it can be done, have goals, live
life to the fullest, never give up, prepare yourself
well for upcoming challenges, have faith in yourself and
help each other.’’
WO1 M.
Perumal ‘’I congratulate the youth of Naval Station
Durban on their preparedness an willingness to go the
extra mile with any tasks given to them without
complaints, even at short notice. Bravo Zulu to them.’’
WO2 K.
E. Anthony ‘’As the Ceremonial Warrant at Naval
Station Durban, I congratulate the precision drill squad
for rising up to the challenge and delivering beyond
expectation in their performances at the East London
Port Festival. You have made the unit as well as the SA
Navy proud. To the rest of the youth, thank you for your
dedication in ensuring the SA Navy’s Flag is kept
high.’’
CPO R.
M. Veeraragudu ‘’ Members of the youth of Naval
Station Durban that participated in making the youth day
celebration on 29 June 2011 made us proud with their
brilliant performance.’’
S Lt Bob
‘’1976 was a vital year for us youth of South Africa.
Those who died paved the way for the current generation.
Today as the youth of South Africa we have equal
opportunities across all races. It is up to us to
preserve this wonderful gift and honour those who died
fighting for it. Youth of 1976, you might be gone, but
you are definitely not forgotten, re le rolela kgaebana
(we take our hats off for you).’’
Lt Cdr
R.B. Dulamo ‘’Remember! As much as we talk about
their legacy, they had to do it together for what it is
today. But! Today each and every individual has to stand
up and grab opportunities in order to have a bright
tomorrow, live their legacy and achieve twice as much.’’
WO1 K.C.
Ramsamy ‘’The current economic climate calls for
stringent belt-tightening measures and further
exacerbates the triple challenge of unemployment,
poverty and inequalities. The most vulnerable to these
challenges is the youth of today. My advice would be to
cease the moment and to obtain skills and development.
The world is your playground, don’t let opportunities
pass you by.’’
WO1 H.C.
Lovegrove ‘’Knowledge is power; therefore remember
to always aim high in everything you do. Work hard (no
pain, no gain) and set a good example for your peers. Be
proud of what you have achieved and influence others to
achieve the same. Remember that you cannot change the
direction of the wind, but you can adjust your sails to
always reach your destination.’’
WO2 J.S.
Govender ‘’Yes, Cry Our Beloved Country, while we
have come a long way and its time we looked at ourselves
and asked what we have done to improve the lives of
others. Wisdom is what makes us prosper in life. The
definition of wisdom is knowing RIGHT and WRONG. That
can only come from GOD. We ask ourselves where is the
Kingdom of GOD. Truly the Kingdom of God is within
ourselves. I encourage you to know GOD and YOURSELF and
all will be added unto you.’’
WO2 M.
Joseph ‘’Youth of today have more opportunities to
study and make something of themselves. There are study
opportunities and finance to assist students who cannot
further their dreams in their preferred career paths due
to the unavailability of funds from family. The youth of
1976 fought and made it possible for everyone to have a
fair chance of success. The youth of today needs to shy
away from drugs and realise the opportunities they have
been given.’’
Sea McCabe lights the candle in memory of the class of
1976
