Our history has shown us that a united and committed youth can change the trajectory of a country. The youth of 1976 pulled together under excruciating circumstances to fight for freedom and many times paid the ultimate sacrifice to ensure that today we have good fortune of living in a democratic state.
The historic march by more than 20 000 women to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 against the extension of Pass Laws by the apartheid regime was a turning point in the role of women in the struggle for freedom and our society at large.
Over our democratic journey South Africa has made strong inroads in educating our young people. We have opened the doors of learning by expanding education opportunities to all citizens as envisioned in the Freedom Charter.
Since the dawn of our democracy, one of our nation’s priorities have been increasing accessibility for everyone, especially vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities.
Today, in a democratic South Africa, the rights of persons with disabilities are protected, promoted and advanced through legislation and the Constitution, which leaves no room for discrimination on any grounds.
In September 1951, hundreds of people from around the world met in Rome, Italy to discuss challenges faced by people with disabilities, and in particular deaf people. They demanded equal opportunities for deaf people around the world and full inclusion in communities.
They established the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) to champion the rights of persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.
The month of June is fast approaching, and like all previous years, we will once again, commemorate and pay homage to the youths of 1976. However, unlike the celebrations we have had in the previous years before the COVID19 Pandemic, we will reflect on the past year since the outbreak of the virus, and recall the many lives that have been lost. This however does not have to be the only object for South Africans to reflect on. Since the beginning of the phase 1 Sisonke vaccination roll-out in February, more healthcare workers have become open to the procedure of getting vaccinated.
As South Africa celebrates women’s month we also remember the many formidable women across our continent. Every day these women, like many in our country, strive to uplift their families and communities often in the face of insurmountable odds.
