June 16 Message To The Youth of South Africa from the Young Communist League

12 June 2003

(Covers 16 June dedication, YCL activities over June 16 weekend, Growth and Development Summit, HIV/AIDS, National Youth Commission, 2004 elections and a National Consultative Conference of the YCL)

The National Steering Committee of the Young Communist League salutes the gallant young revolutionaries of June 16,1976 generation. Their unwavering fighting spirit and commitment to the liberation of their country led them to confront the most brutal, racist and capitalist regime. This day marks both a celebration of a gallant struggle and a rich heroic legacy of struggle, sacrifice, solidarity and love for freedom.

YCL ACTIVITIES DURING JUNE 16 WEEKEND

The main aim of the YCL is to bring communist ideas, values and practice closer to the youth in grass roots level in its re launch, especially during this youth month.

The YCL will have the following activities over the June 16 weekend :

• The launch of the first YCL branch in Pretoria
• Youth Day activity in Mohlakeng Sports Recreation Centre at 10h00 in partnership (Mohlakeng. Randfontein) - 16 June
• Open Day and Cultural programmes with the Mohllakeng school for children living with disabilities - 16 June

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR YOUTH

The recent Growth and Development Summit provides a platform to accelerate youth development through its declaration on the following:

• Youth training internship and learnership that will enable young people to enter the labour market.
• Provision of free education to 40% of poor learners. Notwithstanding the above, w join calls for free education at all levels, including post secondary education.
• Regarding social grants, we call on Government to go the full mile on the extension of child support grants to reach up to 14 year old children. This will effectively relieve pressure on families and communities who can barely make ends meet.

We call on the youth and workers to mobilise and organise themselves to ensure the realisation of the following:

• Implementation on the commitments by all-social partners particularly capital and government.
• A concrete job placement strategy for youth who are currently receiving training through the GDS outcomes

We do believe though that more can and should be done on the part of business to ensure that issues that were not resolved or finalised at the GDS like HIV/AIDS are not relegated to the back burner. HIV/AIDS is currently ripping our country apart especially the poorest sections of black working class youth. Government must be seized with the responsibility to respond to the real and present need of its people. We call the youth of the country to act responsibly, and assist those infected and affected by the pandemic as volunteers in hospices and other home based care institutions.

NATIONAL YOUTH COMMISSION

We take note that President Thabo Mbeki will announce National Youth Commissioners on June 16. The YCL calls on the on the NYC to intensify the debate on a relevant structure that would strengthen the capacity of government to deliver on youth interest including the possibilities for the creation of youth ministry immediately. This will resolve the current constrains and limitations of the NYC to deliver tengible programmes for youth. We salute the past commissions for their sterling work despite these limitations.

NATIONAL CONSULTATIVE CONFERENCE

Our most important gathering to date will the National Consultative Conference to be held on the 10 to 13 July 2003 at the Vaal Triangle Technikon. This event will bring together 400 delegates comprising YCL activities, SACP activities and local and international guests.

ID REGISTRATION

We ask all young people who qualifies to hold an ID to apply for one and register to vote in 2004 elections. We also call on young people to vote ANC.

We further call farmers to stop the exploitation of farm workers especially young farm workers and the stop involving underage children in labour.

Issued by the National Steering Committee of the Young Communist League

CONTACT
Solly Mapaila - SACP National Organiser Mobile: 082 886 3526 OR Jacob Mamabolo- National Coordinator Mobile: 0832692500