Stellenbosch

The South African Youth Choir sings Sanctus (Josef Rheinberger) at the Konservatorium of Stellenbosch/South Africa.

Stellenbosch University Youth Day Celebrations 2011

“Take up the tools of humility and shake off pride, self-conceit and self-righteousness. Let us — the youth of today — create our own past. In 2030 people must be able to talk about 16 June 2010 and not the one of 1976.”These were the words of one of the speakers at the Youth Day Celebrations held at Stellenbosch University. Sylvester Nogada, who recently graduated from high school and now works at Kuyasa (a local NGO in Khayamandi), was one of four speakers at the celebrations held in the Conservatorium on the SU campus. He also urged young people to “embrace the responsibility of breaking down barriers in order to become one.” He also emphasised that without action nothing will be done to improve social cohesion in Stellenbosch. Roxanne George, a Grade 10 learner from Cloetesville, said the time is now for people to “look beyond race, culture and appearances”. “How can we make South Africa a better place if we look past one another? If we don’t set out to solve the problems, who will?” The other two speakers, Renier Marais, a matric pupil from Paul Roos Gymnasium and Otniel Jooste, a third year theology student from Jamestown, echoed the need for inclusion, acceptance and social cohesion within the greater Stellenbosch. “We need to step out of our comfort zones. Our choices determine our destiny”, said Otniel. Renier used a quote from Mahatma Ghandi to bring home his point of “breaking down the pillars of the past”. “Young people must be the change you want to see. We …

This project forms part of the Stellenbosch University Hope Project. For more information visit: www.thehopeproject.co.za/youthsport