Relevance of Youth Day in modern era

Madlanga commission revelations are adding to the youth’s growing disillusionment with society

- Nkateko Joseph Mabasa

The 50th anniversary of the 16 June 1976 student uprising raises questions about the relevance of celebrating Youth Day amid damning revelations at the Madlanga commission.

An estimated four out of 10 young people are classified as not in employment, education or training. Allegations of corruption and criminality in state institutions deepen insecurity and disillusionment among young South Africans.

Itumeleng Makgetla, an assistant lecturer at the University of Pretoria and a political analyst, said the Madlanga commission has further damaged low public trust in the police and weakened young people’s confidence in institutions.

“The stature of the police in society has been reduced to nothing; no one respects the police anymore. Back then, police were seen as figures of security.”

Makgetla said many young people had become focused on individual success after being disappointed by self-serving public officials.

“The youth of today have decided that while all these things go on, they want material benefit and complete independence.”