More than 300 people gathered at the Hector Peterson memorial on Wednesday for a wreath laying ceremony as part of Youth Day commemorations. Peterson, then aged 13, was shot dead by police in the June 16, 1976, schoolchildren’s uprising. He was the first victim of that event.
Leading the solemn proceedings at the site where Peterson was killed, Johannesburg council speaker Nandi Mayathula-Khoza said the occasion was to salute thousands of young people who gave their lives for the cause of freedom.
”We honour these young revolutionaries, the torch bearers of our revolution,” she said. ”We also celebrate achievements made by young people and highlight challenges like HIV/Aids, unemployment and poverty.”
As the proceedings were underway, a busload of youngsters chanting liberation songs and clad in African National Congress T-shirts drove past the memorial site to the nearby Orlando stadium.
Gauteng premier Mbhazima Shilowa is expected to address an expected crowd of about 40 000 at the stadium.
Shilowa, Johannesburg mayor Amos Masondo, Miss Teen SA Masechaba Ndlengezela, and Jazz artist Sibongile Khumalo concluded the function by together laying a wreath.
Family members of the those who died during the uprising were also present at the memorial site.
After the ceremony, delegates proceeded to Orlando stadium, where various activities were taking place to entertain the youth. These included a performance by a group of young drum majorettes, aerobics and a sport tournament.
An aerobics marathon at Orlando Stadium would start the celebrations before the ceremony, expected to be attended also by dignitaries including Masondo and youth commissioners.
The ceremony celebrations will continue again at the stadium where Shilowa would receive reports from youth forums held to discuss a role the youth would play ”in building a people’s contract”.
”We recognise that young people today face very substantial problems,” said Gauteng provincial government spokesperson Charles Phahlane, adding the celebrations were aimed at honouring memory of heroes who fell fighting for democracy and ”giving voice to the issues of youth today”.
Although different, the problems facing the youth today required the same involvement and dedication as those of 1976, said Phahlane.
”In addressing these issues we are mindful that in building a people’s contract, we the need the active involvement of all sectors of our society,” he said.
An entertainment programme will follow Shilowa’s address, and musicians including Arthur, Mapaputsi and Pitch Black Afro were expected to perform.
National orders awarded
Meanwhile in Pretoria, politicians, diplomats, trade unionists and community workers were among 47 people presented with South African national orders.
Among the first to be honoured were Independent Electoral Commission chairperson Brigalia Bam and reverend-turned-politician Allan Hendrickse.
Both reserved the Order of the Baobab in silver — Bam for her contribution to the upliftment of women and democracy building, Hendrickse for his contribution to the struggle for a non-racial, non-sexist, just and democratic South Africa.
Others to be awarded during the course of the morning included former Intelligence Minister Joe Nhlanhla and the late Safety and Security Minister Steve Tshwete.
The Order of the Companions of OR Tambo, the highest South African decoration to a foreigner, will be awarded later to several dignitaries including United Nations secretary-general Kofi Annan, late American black consciousness leader Martin Luther King Jr, the first prime minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo Patrice Lumumba, former Tanzanian president Julius Nyerere and former secretary-general of the Organisation of African Unity, Salim Ahmed Salim.
President Thabo Mbeki said the recipients of the orders stood out as beacons that would guide the rest of the nation as they built a society founded on freedom, justice and equality.
Celebrations throughout South Africa
In Rustenburg later in the day, Deputy President Jacob Zuma is also expected to address a youth gathering in Olympia Park Stadium. In his speech, he would encourage youth to participate in service activities against poverty.
”Such activities will enhance youth skills, promote youth participation in community development, promote the spirit of nationhood and inculcate the spirit of patriotism among youth,” said the National Youth Commission in a statement.
The event would also be attended by North West premier Edna Molewa, Rustenburg mayor Thabo Mabe and Youth Commission chairperson Jabu Mbalula.
Catholic youths would gather at the Nelson Mandela Bridge in Johannesburg before marching to the Catholic Cathedral for a prayer led by Archbishop Buti Tlhagale.
Also in Gauteng, Education Minister Naledi Pandor was expected to celebrate Youth Day by attending the Design Achievers Awards in Pretoria.
”The awards are aimed at giving opportunities to young designers to participate in defining the shape of the future and to prove that South Africa has a great potential,” said a statement from the Design Institute of South Africa.
Another event in the capital would be in Soshanguve, where Democratic Alliance leader Tony Leon would address a gathering in the township.
Celebrations in Cape Town would include a march from Manenberg police station to Athlone Stadium.
Western Cape premier Ebrahim Rasool and Cape Town mayor Nomaindia Mfeketo would speak at the event, followed by live music performed by artists including Mandoza, Adila and Loyiso.
Also in the Mother City, Environmental Affairs and Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk would celebrate the Youth Day on top of the Table Mountain with about 200 children from the Cape Flats and Peninsula townships.
In KwaZulu-Natal, former premier Lionel Mtshali would address a function in Doonside, Amanzimtoti. – Sapa