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National Youth Day Activities
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Speeches and Media Releases
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PRESS RELEASE
 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 13 JUNE 2000

NATIONAL YOUTH DAY ACTIVITIES

PRESS STATEMENT ON THE NATIONAL YOUTH DAY

The theme to mark the National Youth Day on the 16th June 2000 is Youth fighting HIV/AIDS in the African Century.Two events to give 
meaning to this them will be held in Grahamstown on the 15th and 16th June 2000.

On the evening of the 15th June some of South Africas finest thinkers and leaders will constitute a team of panelist who will talk on the 
topic of the African Renaissance during a public lecture to be held at the Grahamstown  City Hall.Dr Eddie Moloka, the Executive Director 
of the African Institute, Rev. Lunga Siboto, the Vice President of the Eastern Cape Council of Churches and Mr Mandisi Mpahlwa, the 
national Finance Deputy Minister will trace the evolution of the concept, the specific challenges facing Africa, sectoral attitudes towards 
the concept and the role that South Africa is playing to promote the African Renaissance.

Their contributions shall be within the context of stimulating youth interest on continental issues. It is the considered view of the 
Commission that the youth should find inspiration and hope from the stated commitments of African leaders especially on the need to direct 
the continent towards speedy social, cultural, economic and political stability through combined efforts. The African Renaissance places 
challenges in front of different sectors, including the youth.Our primary objective is to seek to spread the debate about the alternatives 
for Africa.Youth leaders should continue to marshal dedicated young people to multiply their efforts in contributing to the survival and 
renewal of Africa.

The provincial rally will be held on the 16th June 200 at the Grahamstown Indoor Sports Centre. The keynote address will be delivered by 
the National Minister of Public Service and Administration Mrs Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi.The Acting Premier, Mr Pumulo Masualle, the Mayor 
of Grahamstown, the National and Provincial Youth Commission, and other government and community leaders will grace this occasion.

All speakers and participants will be expected to embrace and echo the national wave of fighting HIV/AIDS.The youth will be called upon to 
display maturity and persistent commitment in shielding and protecting themselves against this virus.We call upon all sectors and members 
of the community who are moved by the harsh realities of HIV/AIDS and its impact to joint the rally so as to encourage the youth to switch 
from trends and lifestyles that threaten their lives and to care for those living with HIV/AIDS.In the same vein, the Commission supports 
wholeheartedly the intended establishment of the Eastern Cape Provincial AIDS Council. We call upon the youth, in concert with other role-
players to support the Council in its mandate of monitoring and strengthening effective strategies of dealing with HIV/AIDS and sustaining 
the campaign against the epidemic.

Once again we salute the patriotic endeavors of different generations of youth who came before us to lead us towards the path of a non-
racial democracy.The youth of today should continue to build their own capacity in areas such as science and technology, economics, 
governance and development so as to build their sense of initiative and to cope with the problems that confront us. Furthermore a special 
responsibility fall on the youth to find lasting solutions to the continuing scourge of crime and violence.

We extend an invitation to the people of Grahamstown and surrounding areas to take advantage of this occasion of the 24th Anniversary of 
June 16 to embrace this African Century which is also a youth century, so as to understand the challenges and obligations placed by history 
in front of us.

ISSUED BY: Thembekile Macelesi
 Chairperson: Eastern Cape Youth Commission
 62 Thomas Street, King Williams Town
 Phone Number: 043  643 3779

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