Johannesburg – The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), an agency of government responsible for youth development, has thrown its weight behind a new publication aimed at commemorating the 40th anniversary of the 1976 June 16, student uprising.
The publication titled, The Journey, is produced and published by young people and features forty profiles of young people who are making a difference in their communities around the country.
It highlights stories of young people in business, arts, education, politics and the entertainment industry, among others. The publication has also been supported by the Presidency with Deputy Minister Bhuti Manamela having written the foreword.
Speaking at the launch of the publication on Tuesday, NYDA’s Ankie Motshoahae said the agency was thrilled to be associated with The Journey.
“This publication is proof that young people are not just moaners, they are hard at work doing great things. As the custodians of youth development in our country, we are proud and excited about this venture and endeavour.
“We as the NYDA we are very excited to be part of this beautiful endeavour. There are many stories of young people who are doing incredible work and they want their stories to be told. The Journey is just one part of doing this," Motshoahae said.
Other speakers at the event were renowned activist Seth Mazibuko as well as the CEO of the EW SETA, Errol Gradwell.
Mazibuko was among the youth who took to the streets in 1976 and was only 16 years when he was imprisoned on Robben Island.
According to one of the publishers, Mbasa Metuse, The Journey, is expected to be published continuously throughout 2016 to mark the 40th anniversary. – SAnews.gov.za
