Youth Day Event Empowers Hillbrow Youth Through Career Guidance and Civic Education

By Thembi Moyo

HILLBROW – Young people from Hillbrow and surrounding areas marked Youth Day by learning about education, career opportunities, civic responsibility and leadership during a Youth Career Guidance, Empowerment, Civic Awareness and Voter Education Campaign hosted by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA).

The event brought together government departments, educational institutions, community organisations and local partners to equip young people with information that will help them make informed decisions about their future. Among the stakeholders that participated were NICRO, Family and Child Services (FCS), Social Crime Prevention, Lifeline Johannesburg, the Electoral Commission (IEC), the University of Johannesburg (UJ), FNB, Hillbrow Radio, Hillbrow Theatre,Ward 62 Councillor Zanele Nyembe, the Community Policing Forum (CPF) and the Department of Home Affairs.

Learners from different schools took part in discussions about the significance of the 1976 Soweto Uprising, sharing their understanding of June 16 and reflecting on the sacrifices made by young people who fought for equal education. The programme also celebrated South Africa’s cultural diversity through music, drama and performances organised by Hillbrow Theatre and local entertainers.

Acting Director for Stakeholder Liaison at COGTA, Goodwill Mashele, said Youth Day should inspire young people to become active citizens and take advantage of opportunities created for them. “Youth Day is not only about remembering the events of 16 June 1976. It is about empowering young people with the knowledge and opportunities they need to shape their future. We want young people to understand their rights, participate in their communities, vote when they are eligible and make use of the programmes government has made available to support them,” said Mashele.

said the event was about giving young people the information they need to build successful futures. “We celebrated June 16 by empowering learners with information that will help lead them to tertiary education. Career guidance was the theme of the day because we want our young people to make informed decisions about their future. The IEC was also here to educate them about the importance of casting their votes as we prepare for the upcoming local government elections. The performances by Hillbrow Theatre also showed that there are positive activities that can keep our children away from the harmful influences found on the streets of Hillbrow.”

Representatives from the IEC educated learners about the importance of voting and encouraged them to register once they become eligible, explaining that every vote plays a role in shaping South Africa’s democracy. Officials from the Department of Home Affairs encouraged learners to apply for their identity documents while they are still in school. They explained that an ID is essential when applying for tertiary education, bursaries, employment and other government services.

The University of Johannesburg guided learners on career planning, university admission requirements and the importance of preparing for life after matric. Motivational speaker Mosima encouraged young people to remain focused on their own goals instead of comparing themselves with others. “Everyone has their own purpose in life. Don’t let peer pressure determine your future. Focus on your own goals, manage your life wisely and never allow anyone to make you change your lane,” she said.

Community Policing Forum Chairperson Simon urged young people to make positive life choices and prioritise education. “We need to protect and empower all our young people, including the boy child. Stay away from unhealthy relationships, focus on your education, apply for bursaries and work towards going to university. Every young person has the potential to become a leader who inspires others,” he said.

Hillbrow community representative Muswetsi said the event demonstrated the importance of creating safe spaces where young people can learn and interact. “Events like these help bring young people together in a positive environment. Instead of spending time on the streets, they get the opportunity to learn about different cultures, careers, education and the services available to them. When we invest in our youth, we build a stronger and safer Hillbrow for everyone,” he said.

Throughout the day, organisations including NICRO, Lifeline Johannesburg, Family and Child Services and Social Crime Prevention also engaged learners on issues such as crime prevention, mental health, substance abuse, family support and responsible decision-making. The event concluded with a renewed call for young people to honour the legacy of the 1976 generation by pursuing education, participating in democratic processes and becoming responsible leaders who will contribute positively to their communities.