In commemoration of Youth Day, Paul Mashatile urged the youth of today to adopt the same attitude as Hector Peterson, Mbuyisa Makhubu, Tsietsi Mashinini and all the youth of 1976, whose sacrifices gave birth to our political freedom. He was speaking at the youth day celebrations at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

Mashatile said efforts from the youth of 1976 have set South Africans on the right path towards a country that is non-racial, non-sexist and democratic.

"It is my honour to address this Youth Day celebration in a place named after one of our country's greatest sons, Peter Ramoshoana Mokaba, the Lion of the North, who is also known for his role as a leading voice among the youth in the struggle against apartheid." 

He said It is because of their contribution we were able to vote in the 7th National and Provincial Elections, in which more than 16 million South Africans exercised their democratic right to vote without fear or intimidation.

"On the 14th of June, we witnessed the ushering in of the 7th Parliament through the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, more importantly we elected two women whom we are confident that will lead our Parliament to greater heights. Equally we witness the very motto of our country being put into practical action, unity in diversity. In our diversity we put our differences and voted for the President elect, President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa,"said Mashatile.

Mashatile said they will in the next five years focus on creating jobs and building an inclusive and growing economy. 

"We will equally focus on implementing programmes focusing on skilling the youth with the skills of the future. In working towards achieving the National Development Plan 2030 vision, which aims to eradicate poverty and decrease inequality, we need to keep in mind that young people make up more than two-thirds of the population, making them the biggest community.Therefore, we cannot move forward without the youth of our country,"he said.

He urged all stakeholders, including business, civil society, and labour, to work with the current government to address all issues affecting young people