South African Youth Urged to Lead Change, Not Wait for It

Addressing delegates, Mtshweni-Tsipane said the students who marched in 1976 did not set out to become martyrs.

South Africa's young people have been urged to take an active role in shaping the country's future, with National Council of Provinces Chairperson Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane calling on them to become leaders of change rather than passive beneficiaries of government programmes.

Speaking at the National Youth Parliament in Johannesburg on Monday, Mtshweni-Tsipane reflected on the legacy of the 1976 Student Uprisings and challenged today's generation to carry forward the spirit of activism and determination that defined the struggle against apartheid.

The event was held ahead of National Youth Day on June 16, which commemorates the role of young South Africans in the Soweto Uprising and the broader fight against racial oppression.

Legacy of 1976 Remains a Powerful Lesson

Addressing delegates, Mtshweni-Tsipane said the students who marched in 1976 did not set out to become martyrs. They took to the streets because they wanted a better future and were prepared to challenge an unjust system that denied them equal opportunities.

She noted that the youth-led movement emerged during a period when many liberation organisations had been banned and political leaders were either imprisoned, forced into exile, or operating underground. In that environment, young people became the driving force behind resistance efforts and helped revive a sense of unity and self-determination across communities.

According to the Chairperson, the events of 1976 represented more than a protest against education policies. They became a broader struggle for dignity, political freedom and social transformation.

Today's Challenges Require New Forms of Activism

Mtshweni-Tsipane said the fight for a better South Africa continues, though the battlegrounds have changed. She pointed to issues such as unequal access to quality education, unemployment, economic exclusion and changing labour conditions as challenges that require urgent attention from young people.

She encouraged youth to reclaim education as a platform for empowerment and social progress while actively participating in efforts to shape policies that affect their future. She also called for stronger cooperation between government, business and civil society to accelerate youth development and improve the implementation of programmes aimed at supporting young people.

The Chairperson stressed that Parliament remains an important institution for oversight, lawmaking and public participation, adding that young people should make their voices heard through democratic structures.

Youth Encouraged to Strengthen Democracy

A key message from the address was the importance of civic participation. Mtshweni-Tsipane urged young South Africans to register to vote and play a direct role in determining the country's future direction.

She warned against social problems such as drug and alcohol abuse, saying these challenges weaken communities and limit opportunities for progress. Instead, she encouraged young people to draw inspiration from the sacrifices of the 1976 generation and use their energy to build stronger communities and institutions.