Inspiration

What Youth Day Means To Miss SA 2023 Contestants Homba Mazaleni, Melissa Nayimuli And Lungo Katete

Jun 14, 2023

This year marks the 37th anniversary of the youth uprising against Bantu education on June 16, 1976. KDanielles Media asks three of the Top 12 Miss SA finalists on what the day means to them

Homba Mazaleni (23), from Gonubie, East London in the Eastern Cape, is a qualified sport scientist and student intern at the University of the Western Cape.

What does Youth Day mean to you and why do you believe it is important that South Africans commemorate it?

We commemorate Youth Day to pay tribute to the significant role that young people like Hector Pieterson played in history and continue to play in shaping our society. Youth Day stands as a call to action to address the ongoing inequalities that persist, including barriers to education, employment and equal opportunities. It serves as a reminder to work towards creating a society where every young person can flourish and contribute their unique talents and perspectives to building a better tomorrow.
How have you spent/celebrated the day in the past and any special memories or moments?
On Youth Day I spend my time organising women’s cricket games, promoting inclusivity and empowering female athletes in my community. The day begins with preparations, gathering equipment and encouraging young women to participate. As the games commence, the atmosphere is filled with excitement and unity. Through sports, barriers dissolve and women find their voices. These connections and experiences form a foundation for ongoing initiatives that advance gender equality and support the talents of young individuals. Youth Day inspires me to advocate for equal opportunities and empower youth to make a lasting impact.

Lungo Katete (26) from Midrand in Johannesburg, Gauteng, is a creative at heart with a flair for all things design. This led her to achieve her Bachelors, Honours and Master’s degrees in Architecture from the University of the Witwatersrand.

What does Youth Day mean to you and why do you believe it is important that South Africans commemorate it?

To me, Youth Day symbolises the power and resilience of those that came before us in a fight to shape our future. It commemorates the brave youth who fought against an oppressive education system. This day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those individuals and their unwavering dedication to justice and equality. I believe it is important for South Africans to commemorate Youth Day to honour the past, learn from it and inspire current and future generations to champion positive transformation. By acknowledging and understanding our history, we are able to empower the youth to continue striving for a society that embraces inclusivity and prosperity.

How have you spent/celebrated the day in the past and any special memories or moments?

Over the years I have celebrated Youth Day with my family and those that are dear to my heart. Although very simple, each year we go out of our way to buy various ingredients, braai and create a feast to enjoy as a family. This moment together allows us the opportunity to pay tribute to the remarkable individuals who fought for a better future and left an enduring impact on our society. These moments of togetherness and remembrance make Youth Day a cherished and meaningful experience for me and my family.

Melissa Nayimuli (27) from Butterworth in the Eastern Cape, was born in a multi-cultural home to a Xhosa mother and Ugandan father. She is a passionate storyteller and currently works as a television and film creative producer in Johannesburg.

What does Youth Day mean to you and why do you believe it is important that South Africans commemorate it?

Youth Day is important to me because it is proof that when young people decide that it is time for change, change happens. It is a validation of how powerful our voices can be when we work together. We commemorate it because the work is not complete. As young people, it is up to us to ensure that the students who laid down their lives on that fateful day did not do so in vain. Their sacrifice provided a better future for us today and even though we are not where we should be, as there is still a lot of struggles we face, it is our responsibility to take the baton in order to shape the future in which we, and the next generation want to live in.

What does Youth Day mean to you and why do you believe it is important that South Africans commemorate it?

The memory that jumps to mind when I reflect back on how I’ve spent Youth Day in the past is watching the movie Sarafina in my history class. As much as we would write essays and assignments about Youth Day throughout the year, seeing a visual representation of the harrowing events, made it more real for me, and gave me a small glimpse of just how significant and how bi a sacrifice was made for the freedoms I enjoy today.

Visit: