Government to celebrate National Youth Day at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium

POLOKWANE – Government is expected to honour the 2024 National Youth Day on Sunday, 16 June at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane.

Acting Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Ms. Maropene Ramokgopa has called on all South Africans to come together and embrace unity in the society to further strengthen the country’s democracy.

Minister Ramokgopa says, “We celebrate the socio-economic gains that have been made in our democracy, yet also acknowledge that there is more to be done. Sport, Arts and Culture play an important role in the mood and identity of our nation. Our commitment stands to continue developing the sectors.”

The minister adds, “As we continue to advance the socio-economic gains of our democracy, we commit as government to continue our endevour to quantify, to lift and develop the country’s sport, arts and culture.

President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Minister Maropene Ramokgopa to act as Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture until a permanent appointment is made under the new 7^th administration following the resignation of Minister Zizi Kodwa on 5 June.

This year marks the 48^th anniversary of the June 16 1976 students’ uprising in Soweto, when young people then protested against the Bantu Education Act, which enforced Afrikaans as a medium of instruction in schools.

In honour of the brave students’ lives and many sacrifices, the country commemorates National Youth Day on 16 June every year since 1994.

This year’s Youth Month programme will be commemorated under the theme: “Actively embracing the socio-economic gains of our democracy” given the added significance of it coinciding with the celebration of 30 Years of Freedom and the national and provincial elections, which will usher in the new 7^th democratic government.