YOUTH DAY 2025
The commemoration of Youth Month in South Africa, and particularly Youth Day on 16 June, pays tribute to the 1976 Soweto Uprisings. Youth day serves as a reminder of our nation’s young people who boldly protested against the imposition of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction. Their peaceful demonstration was met with brutal force from the authorities of the apartheid regime, resulting in the tragic loss of lives and thousands exiled.
The month of June has, since the dawn of democracy, been dedicated to honouring the contribution of young people in the liberation struggle. During this time, we reflect on the active role of South African youth in numerous political campaigns and protests as a response to the brutal apartheid regime, including its oppressive education system which treated black people as inferior.
The 2025 National Youth Day and Youth Month will be commemorated under the theme: “Skills for the changing world, empowering youth for meaningful economic participation.” This theme, supported by the tagline “Gear Up for Greatness” seeks to promote education and skills development for the youth, linking them with economic opportunities. The day will also address various challenges faced by young people in the country while taking stock of the progress made in advancing their empowerment.
