By Becker Semela:
The ANC Youth League (ANCYL) in the Free State ended Youth Month with a powerful celebration, marking the 70th anniversary of the historic Freedom Charter with the ANC Caucus, but also demanding jobs as well.
The event, held at Paradise Hall in Bochabela on the outskirts of Bloemfontein on Thursday, brought together hundreds of young people, community members and government leaders to honour the role that the youth played in realising and building South Africa’s democracy.
The celebration was attended by Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, MEC for Education Dr Mamiki Maboya and MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Saki Mofokeng, among others.
The presence of the provincial government leadership symbolised the importance the government regarded an engagement with young people and listening to their issues. During the event, many young people shared their frustrations, especially about the high rate of unemployment in the province.
They said they are losing hope because they can’t find jobs, even after getting their educational qualifications. The youth called on the government to open more opportunities for young people to study further, get skills and start businesses.
Premier Letsoha-Mathae responded by assuring the youth that the government is working hard to resolve the issue of unemployment. She said that while many promises from the Freedom Charter have been achieved, there is still more work to be done to ensure all young people benefit from the country’s freedom.
The mood at the event was lively and inspiring. The youth sang, danced and reflected on how the Freedom Charter, adopted in 1955, continues to shape South Africa’s vision of justice, equality and human rights. The document called for jobs, education, land and housing issues that still matter today.
Free State ANCYL Provincial Treasurer, Katleho Mangoejane, said they partnered with the ANC Caucus to host the event together so as to ensure it has more impact. He said that although the Freedom Charter made strong promises, many of those promises have not yet been fulfilled.
“The Charter says there shall be work and security, but our young people are still unemployed. It says the doors of learning and culture shall be equal and open, but many youth still don’t have access to proper education finance, especially when they want to go to a tertiary level. So we are calling on the government to unlock those doors,” said Mangoejane.
He added that education is the key to a better life, but unless young people are given real opportunities, the promise of the Freedom Charter will remain just words. The event closed with a strong message of unity, hope and commitment to fighting for a better future. The youth said they are ready to lead and take action just like the generation of 1976. – @NewsSA _Online.
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