Youth Day 2025 Commemorated in Potchefstroom with Infrastructure Handover, Cultural Performances, and Civic Expression
- Karen Scheepers
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Youth Day 2025 was commemorated in Potchefstroom on Monday, 16 June, with a series of high-profile engagements, including the official handover of a new multi-purpose Sports Facility at Promosa Secondary School, and a national gathering at the NWU RAG Farm Stadium. The day carried both celebratory and reflective tones, as government officials, community members, and youth from across the region participated in the events.
New Sports Facility Handed Over at Promosa Secondary School
The day’s programme began with the Deputy President of South Africa, Paul Mashatile, leading a delegation to Promosa Secondary School, where a new sports facility was officially unveiled and handed over. The infrastructure is aimed at promoting youth development and access to recreational spaces in the JB Marks Local Municipality.
Joining the Deputy President were North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie, various national and provincial ministers and deputy ministers, as well as local mayors and MEC's. The handover included ceremonial elements such as tree planting and a ribbon-cutting moment.
“This facility is a space for growth, health, and opportunity for the youth of this area,” Deputy President Mashatile stated.
Main Address at NWU RAG Farm Stadium
Later in the morning, the national Youth Day commemoration continued at the NWU RAG Farm Stadium, where the Deputy President addressed a broad audience under the theme: “Skills for the Changing World – Empowering Youth for Meaningful Economic Participation.”
His speech highlighted government initiatives supporting youth, including:
The Transformation Fund of R20 billion over five years to assist Black-owned businesses
Expansion of the NYDA Grant Programme and the Youth Challenge Fund
The rollout of the Digital Economy Masterplan and National Future Skills Strategy
Over 4.7 million youth now registered on the National Pathway Management Network, with 1.6 million earning opportunities recorded
Mashatile also encouraged the private sector to contribute through investment and mentorship, and announced the launch of a proposed Clean Governance War Room aimed at accelerating payment cycles and procurement for small businesses.
Cultural Performances and Community Participation
The day’s commemorative spirit extended beyond speeches. A music programme at the NWU stadium brought together a range of South African performers, contributing to the festive atmosphere.
The lineup included:
Khuli Chana, a pioneer of Motswako
Lady Du, representing amapiano
The Greg Taylor Band, known for genre-blending performances
Alfa Kat and K-N9ne, both well known among youth audiences
Education and Economic Overview
In his address, Mashatile reflected on post-apartheid education gains, including:
An increase in matric pass rates from 58% (1994) to 87.3% (2024)
Growth of the NSFAS scheme to fund over 1.1 million students
A shift in higher education enrolment, with over 60% of graduates now women
He also acknowledged ongoing challenges, including student accommodation, administrative delays, and gaps in economic inclusion.
Call to Engage in the National Dialogue
As part of forward-looking plans, the Deputy President invited young people to participate in the upcoming National Dialogue, a platform intended to shape South Africa’s socio-economic future.
“The participation of youth is essential to creating policies that respond directly to their realities,” he noted.
Protest Action and Public Sentiment
The day was not without tension. In the early morning hours, a group of protesters blocked parts of the Dassierand-Promosa Road, reportedly in response to frustrations related to unemployment, lack of service delivery, and perceptions of inadequate youth support.
Police vehicles were deployed to the area, and traffic congestion was observed on nearby roads including Hennie Bingle, Govan Mbeki, and Thabo Mbeki Drives. Protesters voiced concerns over the gap between policy promises and lived realities.
While these disruptions did not interfere with the formal programme, they added a layer of urgency to the broader conversation around youth empowerment.
Balanced Reflections on Youth Day 2025
Youth Day 2025 in Potchefstroom highlighted a multifaceted national moment: one of remembrance, celebration, frustration, and hope. The juxtaposition of a facility handover, a festive cultural programme, and public protest served as a reminder that the issues facing young South Africans are complex and require coordinated efforts across sectors.
As South Africa commemorates 49 years since the Soweto Uprising, the legacy of 1976 continues to inspire advocacy and demand accountability. Whether through music, dialogue, policy, or protest, the voice of today’s youth remains a vital force in shaping the country’s future.
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