KwaZulu-Natal marked Youth Day on Tuesday, 16 June 2026, with a powerful call for young people to honour the legacy of the 1976 generation by actively participating in democracy and driving the country’s future forward. The official provincial commemoration, led by KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli and Members of the Executive Council at the Durban University of Technology’s Steve Biko Campus, brought together government leaders, students and young people to remember the sacrifices made by the youth of 1976.
Among those attending was KZN Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, who joined the Youth Day parade and commemorative programme, paying tribute to the bravery and resilience of the young activists who fought against apartheid. Addressing the gathering, Premier Ntuli said today’s youth face a different struggle from that of 1976, urging them to use the power of the ballot to shape the country’s future.
He encouraged young South Africans to register to vote and elect competent leaders capable of taking the nation forward.KZN MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa, reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to empowering young people through agriculture.
She said 2026 has been dedicated to unlocking youth potential across the agricultural value chain and encouraged young people to explore opportunities in farming and agribusiness. The commemoration celebrated not only the sacrifices of the 1976 generation but also the energy, innovation and leadership of today’s youth, recognising their critical role in building a prosperous and inclusive South Africa.
Email: motshwari@onenews.co.za
