"Towards a more just, equal, and inclusive South Africa": SACP on Youth Day

Monday June 16 2025 was Youth Day in South Africa. The South African Communist Party (SACP) released the following statement:

Today, the people of South Africa commemorate Youth Day in honour of the indomitable spirit of the youth who stood up in 1976 against oppression, discrimination, and injustice. Their bravery and determination continue to inspire the current generation as it confronts the pressing challenges of our time: unemployment, inequality, and poverty.

The 1976 uprising was not merely a protest; it was a revolutionary act of defiance against a system that sought to silence the voices of our youth. It was a clear message that the South African youth would no longer accept a future dictated by the racist apartheid regime, a future devoid of opportunities and dignity. Today, the people of South Africa find themselves in a similar struggle, as the scourge of inequality, unemployment and poverty continues to plague the working class and poor, with women, particularly black women, suffering the worst.

As we reflect on the sacrifices made by our predecessors, we are reminded that the fight for justice and equality is far from over. The youth of today face unprecedented challenges, with rising unemployment rates and a growing sense of exclusion from the economic and social fabric of our nation. We must galvanise our efforts to ensure that every young person has access to quality education, decent work, and the opportunity to contribute to society in a meaningful way.

In this context, socialism emerges as a vital solution to the struggles faced by our youth. It embodies the principles of collective ownership and equitable distribution of resources, ensuring that the wealth of our nation benefits all, rather than a privileged few. By embracing socialism, we can create a society that prioritises the needs of the youth, providing them with job opportunities, social services, and a supportive environment that nurtures their potential. Through organised, principled, and revolutionary struggle, we can dismantle the systemic barriers that perpetuate inequality and build a future where every young South African can thrive.

The SACP calls upon the youth of South Africa to take inspiration from the courage displayed by their forebearers in 1976. The SACP calls for working-class youth to unite in this organised struggle against the systemic barriers that uphold exclusion. In this respect, the SACP further calls for principled unity to advocate for policies that prioritise youth employment, equitable access to resources, and the dismantling of structures that perpetuate injustice.

In the spirit of the 1976 uprising, the SACP urges every young person to rise and claim their rightful place in this society, including playing their role in dismantling capitalism in its imperialist stage. Through solidarity and determination, the working class and poor can build a future where every young South African can thrive, free from the shackles of poverty and discrimination.

Let us honour the legacy of those who came before us by ensuring that their sacrifices were not in vain. Together, let us forge a path towards a more just, equal, and inclusive South Africa.