Pretoria-As South Africa marks 34 years since the 1976 student uprisings today's youth is calling for better education.
"The day is to remember students who fought for our freedom. It is a hurtful day in that many died for us," Sifiso Sithole, 17, told BuaNews on Wednesday.
Sithole is among 24 children who will walk onto Loftus Versveld stadium's pitch as part of the flag bearers and ball crew.
South Africans across the country will commemorate Youth Day in recognition of the brave youths who on 16 June 1976 stood up against the apartheid government's Bantu Education laws.
The sacrifices made by the class of 1976 were a turning point in the history of the country and set South Africa firmly on the road to democracy.
"More should be done to educate young people about Youth Day," added Sithole.
"Maybe more movies about Youth Day should be made," suggested 17 year old Sam Matola adding that most youth are unaware of the significance of the day.
However 12-year-old Nandi Basson said that youth are aware of the significance of the day.
President Jacob Zuma who addressed youth in Mpumalanga earlier today said that gains that have been made through democracy should be accrued to the events of 1976.
"This event is about all the youth of South Africa, regardless of race and class and no one should feel discriminated, neither should there be anyone who undermines our collective efforts to improve the youth of this country," said Zuma.
