By Nangamso Mabindla
18 June 2007

YOUNGSTERS celebrating Youth Day at the East London Absa Stadium on Saturday, 16 June were encouraged to emulate their 1976 counterparts and fight to make a difference.

Speaking at the 31st anniversary of the commemoration of the June 16 uprising at the packed stadium, President Thabo Mbeki said that it was important for today’s youth to make something out of the freedom for which the youth in 1976 fought.

The celebrations were attended by Eastern Cape Premier Nosimo Balindlela, Buffalo City Executive Mayor Zintle Peter, National Youth Commission chairperson Nobulumko Nkondlo and cabinet ministers.

"Those young people were prepared to risk their lives to fight against the indignity of oppression. By doing that they laid the foundation for the new nation that we are all enjoying," Mbeki said.

Despite the fact that the struggle for a better society had been won, the present generation had its own responsibilities.

"The current generation needs to cultivate a culture of human justice, youth consciousness and to strive for a free and non-racial society. The youth need to face up to these challenges," Mbeki said, adding that like the youth back in 1976, the current generation needed to fight to solve the problems they faced today.

He urged youngsters to look beyond their communities and to try to understand the challenges faced by the country, Africa and the international community. "We need to use our brains to develop skills and knowledge to develop a better world for all."

Young people were also urged to fight social ills like drug and alcohol abuse, teenage pregnancies and crime, and to assist in creating conditions that would allow people to enjoy the benefits of democracy.

Turning his attention to other areas in which young people could play a role, Mbeki urged them to play a part in the 2010 World Cup™ to be played in South Africa.

"I am told that there are 1 091 days left before the kick off of the world cup; with this in mind I want to urge the youth to position itself to help South Africa host the most successful soccer world cup ever," he said.

The day was not only about speeches – there was also music to celebrate the role played by the youth in the struggle against oppression. And after the formalities Afro-soul singer Ntando, kwaito superstars Bongo Muffin and new sensation 'L vovo Derango got the party started.