A large number of youths who attended the June 16 commemorations at the University of Venda Stadium on Tuesday are worried that the day has been hijacked by the ANC.

They claimed that the day should be apolitical and be celebrated by all, irrespective of political affiliation as not only the ANC fought for freedom. They are also worried about the government’s failure to provide them with jobs and funding for sustainable projects.

“This freedom we have all fought for, and no political party should make it its own,” said Mashudu Mutavhatsindi. “Our government has a mammoth task to create jobs and other opportunities available to the youth, but instead of providing for the youth they are busy canvassing for the day as if it is an ANC day,” he said. “We need jobs and not this cheap politicking, otherwise the day would be meaningless to us,” he said.

He added that many of the country’s youth are highly skilled but are still unemployed and the few employed have cards for a certain political party. “It is a pity that government is pumping millions into the development of the youth and the money ends up in pockets of a few individuals who are related to office bearers of such organizations,” he said.

Addressing the thousands that were bussed from all over the province to the venue, Limpopo Premier Cassel Mathale said plans were at an advanced stage to recruit and deploy thousands of youths in the fight against crime in communities.

Speaking under this year’s theme: “Celebrating a vibrant Youth Voice,” Mathale said government had put in place sound initiatives that were intended to bring the excluded youth back into the social and economic mainstream, especially young women, the disabled and unemployed youth.

This year’s celebrations also formed part of the launch of the new National Youth Development Agency, which will take over the functions that were performed by the discredited Youth Commission and the Umsobomvu Youth Fund.

Mathale said the agency would link up unemployed young graduates with economic opportunities and strengthen efforts to expand the National Youth Services Programme.

He made a call on the youth to cherish the contributions made by the leaders of 1976 and saluted the contribution made by the young lions of the 80’s who founded the South African Youth Congress (SAYCO) which later became the ANC Youth League.

David Makhafola, chairperson of the Limpopo Youth Council, said it was high time that municipalities appointed and absorbed as many youths as possible in preparing them for their future leadership positions.

The chairperson of the Limpopo Youth Commission, Mr Rodgers Tshivhase, said the even though the youth had access to career guidance and good schooling facilities, unemployment remained a thorny issue to tackle. He said the generations of today had the luxury of democracy and freedom of association, but the demon of HIV/Aids was ravaging the youth apart.