Pretoria: Youth in South Africa have been urged to carry forward the unfinished dream of Nokuthula Simelane, a young liberation activist who played a pivotal role in the nation's journey to democracy. President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized this call during the inaugural Nokuthula Simelane Memorial Lecture at the University of Mpumalanga, stressing the importance of youth participation in shaping a more equitable society.
According to South African Government News Agency, President Ramaphosa challenged young South Africans to honor Simelane's legacy by actively participating in democracy and working towards societal equality. As South Africa approaches the 2026 Local Government Elections, Ramaphosa highlighted that this would be the 14th nationwide election since the advent of democracy. He praised the country's electoral achievements but cautioned that true democracy involves more than just casting votes; it requires the active involvement of its citizens.
Ramaphosa expressed concern over the low voter turnout among young people, particularly noting that fewer than half of registered voters under 30 participated in the 2024 elections. He urged the youth to recognize their power to influence the future of their communities and the country, encouraging them to make their voices heard through the electoral process.
Reflecting on Simelane's life and contributions, the President underscored the relevance of her story for today's youth. Despite her young age, Simelane was deeply aware of the oppressive nature of apartheid and chose to resist it. She joined Umkhonto we Sizwe and risked her life as a courier, facilitating communication between Swaziland and South Africa.
President Ramaphosa envisioned the life Simelane might have led had she survived apartheid, suggesting she would have played a significant role in shaping the democratic nation. Her life, he said, challenges the current generation to examine their own purpose and commitment to building a better society.
The President also addressed the importance of realizing the constitutional promise of human dignity, pointing out that while South Africa has built a resilient constitutional democracy, rights must be experienced in daily life rather than existing solely as ideals. He called on South Africans to ensure that fundamental rights, including the right to human dignity, are lived realities for all.
Acknowledging the progress made in areas such as housing, education, and healthcare, Ramaphosa also noted the persistent inequalities that remain. He emphasized the need for lasting change and urged men to play an active role in promoting gender equality and preventing violence against women.
The newly established Nokuthula Simelane Centre for Gender and Intersectional Studies was highlighted as a crucial part of the ongoing struggle for gender equality. Ramaphosa called on the Centre and the Foundation to inspire youth to pursue their purpose and contribute to realizing Simelane's vision for South Africa.
President Ramaphosa concluded by stating that while much has been achieved, significant work remains to fulfill the dream for which Nokuthula Simelane sacrificed her life. The establishment of the Nokuthula Simelane Foundation and the annual memorial lecture aim to continue her legacy and inspire future generations to work towards a truly democratic and equitable South Africa.