YOUTH DAY MESSAGE
The Speaker of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature,
Honourable Morakane Mosupyoe
As we commemorate Youth Day 2026, I extend my warmest wishes to the young people of Gauteng and South Africa. This year holds special significance as our nation marks the 50th anniversary of the historic 1976 Soweto Youth Uprising, a defining moment in our struggle for freedom and democracy. We pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the young people who stood up against injustice and changed the course of our country’s history.
While we celebrate the achievements of our democracy, we must also acknowledge the many challenges facing today’s youth. Unemployment, substance abuse, crime, mental health struggles and inequality continue to limit the potential of many young people. Government, together with its social partners, remains committed to implementing programmes and creating opportunities that empower young people through education, skills development, entrepreneurship and employment initiatives.
In the spirit of the 1976 generation, the Gauteng Provincial Legislature recently hosted the Youth Sector Parliament, bringing together young people from all regions across our province to engage directly with government, share their experiences and contribute practical solutions to the challenges confronting them. Their voices and ideas reaffirm that the future of Gauteng is in capable hands.
This year’s Youth Day is made even more significant as Gauteng prepares to host the 19th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth Africa Region. This prestigious gathering will welcome approximately 300 delegates from across the continent and provides an important platform to strengthen democratic institutions and advance issues that matter to the people of Africa, particularly the aspirations of our young people.
Additionally, this year carries particular significance for our democracy. On 4 November 2026, South Africans will once again exercise one of the most precious rights secured through decades of struggle and sacrifice: the right to vote.
As we approach the Local Government Elections, we call upon all eligible citizens to register to vote and to participate actively in the democratic process. Voting is not merely a constitutional right. It is a civic responsibility.
It is through the ballot that citizens shape the future of their communities and hold leaders accountable.
As we honour the legacy of 1976, let us recommit ourselves to building a Gauteng where every young person can realise their full potential. The courage, resilience and determination of the youth of yesterday must continue to inspire the youth of today to become active citizens and leaders in shaping a prosperous and inclusive future.
Happy Youth Day to all the young people of Gauteng.
