By Wanique Block
46 years ago, on June 16, 1976, thousands of high school students in Soweto and across South Africa protested against an education system that was enforced by the apartheid government.
Sadly in an effort to protest for their freedom, 23 students were killed in open fire, while many were left wounded.
This month, we celebrate June 16 by honouring and reflecting on the sacrifices made by the Youth of 1976.
Arguably, many might question the importance of this day, as not much has changed. In fact our problems as the youth of South Africa continue to increase day by day.
In 2022 we’re still dealing with challenges of high unemployment rates, poverty, poor access to education and healthcare, not to mention the increase in gender based violence and femicide statistics.
Although not much has changed, all hope is not lost.
Like the youth of 1976, our struggles are different yes, but we both possess a resilience and bravery like no other. We have the power to build a greater future for ourselves and generations to come.
So as we commemorate the history of yesterday, let us highlight and celebrate the youth of today!
In honour of June 16, we at Kaya 959 are shining a light on various South African youth who despite the odds, are not only empowering but inspiring the masses in their respective fields.
Today we caught up with the new reigning Miss Teenager South Africa 2022, Khanyisile B. Mahlangu.
Born and bred in Bedfordview, the East of Johannesburg Khanyisile B. Mahlangu was crowned as the new Miss Teenager South Africa on the 29th May 2022.
At only 16 years old, Khanyisile B. Mahlangu is ready to inspire the youth of South Africa by “becoming a beacon of hope”.
In our first meeting Khanyisile looked absolutely beautiful. Dressed in a black sequinned top, black trousers and black strappy heels, all paired with her Miss Teenager SA satchel which she wears proudly. Confident but very poised, Khanyisile wastes no time to bless us with a few poses and struts for the camera.
Every gesture and pose seems so natural. It’s almost like she’s been doing this for years, but to my surprise Khanyisile lets me know that this was actually the first pageant that she’s ever participated in.
Although a newbie in the world of pageantry, Khanyisile notes that she prepared for the Miss Teenager SA pageant seven months before the main show.
“I had started preparing for this pageant seven months before the main show. I was getting myself ready in every aspect you can imagine; from my walk and answering questions to my physique and my mind-set. I gave it my 100% all”, Khanyisile shares.
As an advocate for Youth Wellness and Nutrition, Khanyisile reiterates the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. “I advocate for Youth Wellness and Nutrition. This is a subject that is dear to my heart. As a young child I was quite overweight and I come from a family who suffers from severe diabetes. I have lost many family members from this condition. Because of this I was taught to eat healthy and take care of my body from a young age. As a result, I thrived in every aspect of my life! I lost weight, became so much healthier and confident about myself. My mission is to get the youth of South Africa into a more fit and healthy lifestyle”, Khanyisile explains.
Cognisant of the challenges that we still face as the Youth of South Africa, Khanyisile reminds us that the future is in our hands, and that if we work together to face our challenges head on, we can make a difference.
“To me, Youth Day is a time to reflect and be reminded of our duties. Together we can face our challenges head on, even if it means taking one step at a time towards the solution our people and country needs… Success starts with your mind-set. Let us not give up. The future is in our hands and it is as bright as you can imagine it to be”, Khanyisile tells Kaya 959.
There’s no telling what our future may look like, but with young promising leaders like Khanyisile B. Mahlangu we will be alright!
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