'Don't drink on Youth Day'

2003-06-11 10:19

Johannesburg - The Congress of South African Students (Cosas) on Tuesday called on its members to observe a minute of silence to remember the youths who died in Soweto on June 16, 1976, and not go to rallies to drink to celebrate the day.

"Our day...is being turned to be official alcohol-drinking day of young people and artists performing free to the youth. Young people no longer use the day for political education," Cosas said in a statement.

"All members of Cosas are called upon not to participate in these festivals. Whoever will be attending this drinking spree should go there as an individual, not as a Cosas leader or member."

The statement said Cosas had for the past few years expressed its concerns about how June 16 should be commemorated, but the authorities were not prepared to listen to the student organisation.

"The youth day should be treated with the respect and dignity it deserves. June 16 should be utilised as a day to educate young people about the history of this country, and the challenges facing them."

The statement said Cosas was aware that the National Youth Commission had planned a march to parliament to hand over a youth declaration to National Assembly Speaker Dr Frene Ginwala.

"We don't know where the youth of South Africa made that declaration," the statement said. "We are not going to rubberstamp the decisions of some few youths elites."

- SAPA