Youth Day in South Africa: Honouring the past, empowering the future
Why Youth Day matters
You might know 16 June as Youth Day, but do you know why it matters so much? This day remembers the brave students who stood up for their rights during the 1976 Soweto Uprising. Their courage changed South Africa forever.
Youth empowerment and social justice are still vital today. Communicare believes every young person deserves the chance to live with dignity and reach their full potential. We’re building equitable, inclusive communities where youth can thrive – because their future is our future.
The story of June 16: Remembering the Soweto Uprising
On 16 June 1976, thousands of students in Soweto took to the streets. They were protesting against being forced to learn in Afrikaans – a language that represented oppression to them. The police responded with violence, and many young lives were lost.
These students showed incredible courage. They demanded better education and equal rights, even when it was dangerous. Their sacrifice helped end apartheid and create the democracy we have today.
Youth Day reminds us that young people have always been changemakers. Those students in 1976 fought for our future. Now it’s our turn to build on what they started.
Youth in our communities today: Challenges and opportunities
Young people in Cape Town still face real challenges today. You might recognise some of these:
- High unemployment rates – especially for youth aged 18-24
- Limited access to quality education and skills training
- Lack of safe spaces to learn and grow
- Difficulty finding affordable housing when starting independent life
Communicare and Vulamathuba Empumelelo are working to change this. Here’s how we support youth in our communities:
Our youth support programmes
- Affordable housing for young adults: You can access quality rental housing through our goodfind Properties. We understand that starting your career means needing affordable options.
- Skills development through Vulamathuba Empumelelo: Our programmes help you gain practical skills for the job market. From digital literacy to entrepreneurship training, we’re here to help you build your future.
- Safe community spaces: Our developments include community centres and safe recreational areas where young people can connect, learn, and grow together.
From struggle to strength
Back in 2010, a 10-year-old Luthando Mayekiso moved to Communicare’s Zorgvliet complex in Brooklyn with his mom and sister. He never imagined how close he’d be to fulfilling his purpose, a decade later.
When Luthando found himself at a crossroads in 2020, he met a member of the Vulamathuba team, who helped him enrol on the jobseekers’ programme for unemployed tenants.
Participating in the work readiness programme “was a nice journey of self-discovery that involved mind, body, and spirit. It changed my mindset and helped me find myself.”
Stories like Luthando’s show what’s possible when young people have the right support.
Empowering youth: How you can get involved
You don’t have to wait for someone else to make a difference. Here are ways you can support youth in your community:
For community members
- Mentor a young person – share your skills and experience
- Volunteer at youth events in your area
- Support local youth programmes through donations or time
- Create job opportunities if you’re a business owner
For parents and guardians
- Encourage education and skills development
- Connect with other families to build support networks
- Attend community meetings about youth programmes
Join our upcoming events
Every year, we’re hosting several youth-focused events:
- Skills workshops at our community centres
- Career guidance sessions with industry professionals
- Youth leadership training programmes
Share your story: Do you know an inspiring young person in your community? We’d love to hear about them. Email us at info@communicare.org.za or tag us on social media.
Resources for young people
Communicare programmes
Vulamathuba Empumelelo skills development
- Location: Brooklyn Learning Centre
- Services: Job training, entrepreneurship, financial literacy
- Contact: Visit our website or call our office
External resources
Government youth services
- National Youth Development Agency (NYDA)
- Provincial Youth Development programmes
- Municipal youth services
Education support
- NSFAS for higher education funding
- Skills development programmes through SETAs
- Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) centres
How to access these resources
- Visit our Brooklyn Community Centre for information and guidance
- Contact the Vulamathuba team for one-on-one support
- Follow our social media for updates on new programmes
Building a brighter future together
The students of 1976 fought for a better tomorrow. Today, that tomorrow is in our hands. Youth empowerment isn’t just about helping individuals – it strengthens our entire community.
When young people have access to education, skills training, and safe housing, everyone benefits. Stronger youth means stronger families, stronger communities, and a stronger South Africa.
You have the power to make a difference. Whether you’re a young person looking for opportunities, a parent supporting your child’s dreams, or a community member wanting to help – there’s a place for you in this mission.
Together, we can honour the legacy of 16 June by ensuring every young person has the chance to succeed.
Take action today
Ready to get involved? Here’s how you can start:
📚 Enroll in skills training: Applications are regularly open for our empowerment programmes through Vulamathuba Empumelelo.
📱 Share your Youth Day story: Tell us what Youth Day means to you. Post on social media using our hashtags or email us directly.
🤝 Become a mentor: Help guide a young person in your community. Contact the Vulamathuba team to learn about volunteer opportunities.
Contact us:
- Email: info@communicare.org.za
- Website: www.vulamathuba.org.za
- Social Media: Follow @CommunicareNPC
Use these hashtags to join the conversation: #YouthDay #SowetoUprising #EmpoweringYouth #CommunicareNPC #SkillsDevelopment #AffordableHousing #VulamathubaEmpumelelo
Remember: Every young person deserves the chance to build a bright future. Together, we can make it happen.
Communicare is committed to providing quality of life with dignity. Through affordable housing, skills development, and community programmes, we’re building stronger, more equitable communities across the Western Cape.
