Staff Writer
16 June 2020
June 16 is one of the most important dates in the South African calender. It is on this day that South Africans commemorate the Soweto uprising and pay tribute to thousands of students that stood up to the apartheid regime in 1976.
Usually this momentous day is commemorated by hosting mass gatherings, but this year it was observed digitally under the nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus.
As such, government has prohibited mass gatherings including the mass commemoration of national days.
Speaking during the virtual engagement with young people, Gauteng MEC for Health, Bandile Masuku reminded the youth of Gauteng that June 16 is a moment to revive power in the belief of a conscious, organised, determined and content driven youth.
"The agency of the youth should produce the leadership and organisation that we need to see beyond and win over the multiple crises that we face today.
"The quality of the conversations and organisation on the ground, should really be about the practical ways in which we can push forward all the progressive ideas to help us achieve better development outcomes during and beyond covid-19," said Masuku.
He added that as covid-19 rages on, government has come to the realisation that its slow investment in technology and the modernisation of the healthcare system, has made it less agile and efficient in responding not only to covid-19 but; future pandemics in general.
"As we quarantine and isolate people, and trace contacts; we use geo-mapping, big data and supply medicines. In this line of work alone, a lot of opportunities arise for drone technology engineers, data scientists and analysts, and other technologies that can save us time, costs and reduce wastage in terms of logistics and dispensaries. This means more opportunities for jobs of the future for young people," added Masuku.
He went on to encourage young professionals in particular and youth in general to take advantage of opportunities in these areas. ​