MEC Leah Mabuza with some of the learners who attended the Youth Day celebration.
The Mpumalanga province celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the June 16 Commemoration as part of the Youth Month celebrations on June 15 in Perdekop under the theme “Reset @50 The Future Calls.”
The event honoured the bravery and sacrifices of the youth who stood against oppression and fought for quality education and equal opportunities during apartheid. Delivering the keynote address on behalf of Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu, MEC for Culture, Sport and Recreation Leah Mabuza reflected on the significance of the historic day and challenged society to create a better future for today’s young people.
“We gather to commemorate one of the most significant days in the history of our democracy. The youth of 1976 demonstrated extraordinary courage and sacrifice. They challenged an unjust system and paid the ultimate price for the freedom and democracy we enjoy today,” Mabuza said. “
She said the legacy of the 1976 generation serves as a reminder that young people have always been at the forefront of social change and nation-building.
Mabuza stressed that government, communities, families and the private sector share a responsibility to ensure that young people are not limited by poverty, unemployment, crime, substance abuse and inequality.
The MEC highlighted various provincial programmes aimed at empowering youth through education, skills development, sports, arts, culture and heritage. She noted that the creative and cultural industries continue to provide platforms for self-expression while contributing to economic growth and job creation.
Addressing the challenges facing young people today, Mabuza acknowledged that unemployment remains one of the province’s greatest concerns. She said political freedom must be matched by economic inclusion to ensure meaningful transformation.
“The youth of today are not asking for handouts; they are demanding opportunities. They want quality education, meaningful employment, access to funding, digital skills and participation in the mainstream economy,” she said.
Mabuza also highlighted the success of the Premier’s Youth Development Fund, led by Premier Ndlovu. Since its introduction in 2021, the programme has created more than 2,000 jobs through grant funding for youth-owned enterprises operating in sectors such as mining, agriculture, transport and logistics.
She encouraged young people to become active citizens, embrace entrepreneurship and innovation, and contribute positively to society. The MEC also urged eligible youth to register to vote and verify their voter registration details ahead of the upcoming registration deadline.
The commemoration concluded with a renewed commitment to honour the heroes of 1976 through action, by creating opportunities, unlocking potential and building a prosperous future for the youth of Mpumalanga.
