Youth Must Use Their Special Power

by Admin · June 10, 2023

A reflection on Youth Day June 16 by Sr Margaret Mary Makuwerere SU

“We cannot always build the future for our youths, but we can build our youth for the future,” US President Franklin D. Roosevelt once said.

The events associated with June 16, 1976 — the date we commemorate annually as Youth Day — were and still are emotive. However, history always has its way of influencing current and future generations. The lives of courageous young people who lost their lives in trying to stand up for their rights is today a relevant point for us to ponder on. Looking at our present situation in South Africa, in which we are encircled by high rates of alcohol and drug use, various kinds of abuses, murder, robbery, and many more, the question is this: Would the current generation of youth have stood up in unity in the same way the youth of 1976 did?

Young people have a special power within. If this power was appropriately used, as the 1976 youths did (even if, tragically, it resulted in losing lives), our future generations would be assured of a better world. The 1976 youths integrated that fervent energy — they had to courageously defend what they could, in the way they could.

As the young people of South Africa observe June 16 this year, it is a way of realising, affirming and fully utilising the tremendous power within them to bravely act, wherever they are. A saying goes, “You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.” This was true in the case of the 1976 uprising.

Using the power within is simply a decision to fearlessly choose right at any given moment. Today’s context is distinct from the 1976 scenario, but what connects the present generation to the past is the inner strength, which every young person has, to bring about a more acceptable tomorrow for all.

Youth Day 2023 falls on the same date as the solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Our Lord’s burning love brought us eternal life.

The 1976 youths’ passion for making things right was pivotal in changing the socio-political state in South Africa for the better. Today we are all missionaries of the Love of Christ, whereby we use all the brim-full potential within us, through this Love, to make our and the future generations’ lives better.

The Love of Christ urges us on (2 Corinthians 5:14).

Sr Margaret Mary Makuwerere is an Ursuline Sister of the Blessed Virgin Mary