This year, the South African theme for Youth Day, Sunday 16 June 2024 is: “Actively embracing the socioeconomic gains of our democracy.”
Al Jama-ah salutes the youth of 1976 and beyond for their brave Resistance to end colonialism, apartheid, racism and other forms of oppression in South Africa.
We further salute the youth of Palestine for their Resistance against occupation and youths who are forging similar struggles in other parts the world.
We salute the students in the US and in other European countries for standing up for humanity!
When AL JAMA-AH formed its Youth Wing in 2023 under the theme: “Youth in South Africa’s Political Landscape: Quo Vadis? (Where Are You Going?)”, it was a question on the minds of many youths. The IEC (Independent Electoral Commission) stated that out of South Africa’s 27.9 million registered voters, about 11.7 million were youth.
The question remains whether the youth understood that their vote – if they had bothered to vote – could bring about the fundamental changes which the youths of 1976 and 1980s sacrificed their lives for.
Many youths continue to face daily challenges such as: gangsterism, drugs, unemployment; landlessness, lack of bursaries, poverty, etc. The world needs a new civilization and youth must be part of bringing about this new civilization.
We urge the youth to take heed of this year’s Youth Month’s theme and to become the driving force to bring about positive changes in our country!