As South Africa gears up to celebrate Youth Day on Tuesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa has applauded the country’s youth for their optimism, resilience and courageousness, adding that they are building a more equal, just, sustainable and peaceful world.

With the recent protests against racism across the world and the removal of statues and monuments of racism, Ramaphosa said young people have found a common cause during a global pandemic.

He said while the older generation of student movements defined their mission, the youth of today have also done so and added that the youth of 2020 have more than met the standards set by older generations.

“In time to come it will be said that this year, 2020, marked the start of a new epoch in human history. Not only has coronavirus (Covid-19) had a momentous impact on people’s lives and livelihoods, it has also shaken up the global social order. The manner in which the pandemic has taken hold has been a reminder of the interconnectedness of the human race and of the deep inequalities that exist between countries and within countries,” he said.

The Covid-19 virus has presented the world with an opportunity to “reset”, said Ramaphosa.

While the pandemic has exacerbated youth unemployment in South Africa, the President called on the youth to create solutions that will benefit them, their communities and society and come up with programmes that will enable the country to meet its developmental goals.

The government is supporting the youth with the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative and the National Youth Service.

Ramaphosa acknowledged the recent spate of murders of young women in the country and said he was deeply disturbed by the “shocking acts of inhumanity” that have no place in society.

He called for youth-led activism, awareness and peer counselling to fight gender-based violence and acknowledged that the justice system needed to be strengthened through tighter bail and parole conditions.

“While this needs society-wide action, I call on young men in particular to take up the struggle against gender-based violence. Unless we end the war that is being waged against South African women, the dream of a new society will remain elusive,” Ramaphosa said.

In recent discussions with South Africa’s youth, the President highlighted that the power of ideas should not be underestimated as it would allow the world to create a new path post-Covid-19.

He pointed out that the youth were determined to succeed by helping their peers and not relying on “handouts”.

“Young people are telling us that the essential values of integrity, compassion and solidarity must be the hallmarks of the new society that will emerge, and that they are determined to be the champions of this new, better world. I wish all the young people of South Africa a meaningful and inspiring Youth Day,” said Ramaphosa.