Authored by: Captain SA | SA Rainbow News
Rabasotho Hall, Tembisa – 30 June 2025: The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), in partnership with the Tembisa Municipality and local youth-centered organizations, hosted a vibrant Youth Month Celebration that left hundreds of young attendees informed, inspired, and ready to take action toward building a better future.
The event was part of a broader initiative to tackle youth unemployment, encourage civic engagement, and promote access to mental health, education, and career development resources.
Opening and Welcome: A United Front for Youth Progress
The celebration began with a warm welcome by the Programme Director from the IEC, who set the tone by emphasizing the importance of youth participation in democratic processes, social development, and economic inclusion.
The message was clear — young people are not only the future but also the present, and efforts must be geared towards empowering them with knowledge and resources.
#IECYouthCelebration #YouthDevelopment
A Voice from the Past: Merry Selepe Reflects on June 16, 1976
A deeply emotional and empowering moment came when Marry Selepe led the prayer and took a few minutes to reflect on the significance of June 16, 1976. As someone who was involved in the uprising, she shocked many by revealing that June 16 began in Tembisa, a lesser-known but powerful piece of history.
She urged today’s youth to honor the sacrifices made by the youth of 1976 by making wiser life choices and fighting modern-day challenges like drugs, crime, and ignorance.
#June16 #TembisaHistory #YouthLegacy
Mental Health Awareness: Breaking the Silence
Mental health advocate Mittahbn Selokela took the stage to discuss the invisible battles many young people face today. She challenged the stigma surrounding depression, anxiety, and emotional distress and emphasized the need for safe spaces, mental health services, and peer support networks.
“Youth can’t build a future if their minds are in turmoil,” she said. “We must treat mental health like any other illness — without shame, without delay.”
#MentalHealthMatters #YouthWellbeing #NoStigma
Fighting Substance Abuse: A Message from Tembisa Rehab
Kamogelo Thekwu, representing the Tembisa Drug and Rehabilitation Organization, spoke candidly about the devastation that substance abuse brings to individuals, families, and communities. He provided real-life testimonies and stressed that help is available for those willing to turn their lives around.
“Let’s stop glorifying drug culture — there’s nothing empowering about addiction. Our communities need sober, focused, and driven young leaders,” he added.
#SayNoToDrugs #YouthAgainstAddiction #ReclaimOurFuture
Department of Social Development: Education First
Ndivho Makhubo, from the Ekurhuleni Department of Social Development, addressed the youth with a passionate plea: “Take education seriously.” She explained that education remains the strongest weapon against poverty and unemployment.
She urged young people to grab every opportunity available to them and not to take lightly the programs and bursaries available through the municipality and provincial departments.
#EducationIsPower #SocialDevelopment #YouthOpportunities
Get Informed: Centers for Change
Hloni Mokoena, speaking under the “Get Informed” initiative, encouraged young people to make use of community information centers. These hubs provide access to vacancy lists, workshops, career expos, and mentorship programs.
She announced an upcoming two-day workshop that will provide further training on CV development, entrepreneurship, and workplace readiness.
#GetInformed #WorkshopsForYouth #KnowledgeIsWealth
Think Big SA: Academic and Career Preparation
Khutso Makonine of Think Big SA highlighted their mission of assisting youth with tertiary applications, interview preparation, and CV writing. The organization offers a structured path to post-school readiness and aims to close the gap between high school and the workplace.
“Youth shouldn’t fail because of lack of guidance. We are here to make sure they are ready for the next chapter,” he said.
#ThinkBig #AcademicSupport #CareerReadyYouth
SAPS Speaks Out: Crime Has Consequences
In a heartfelt address, Constable Malebo Sefala from SAPS gave a sobering talk about the dangers of criminal involvement. She emphasized that once a person is fingerprinted and recorded in the police system, it becomes a lifelong obstacle, especially when trying to find employment.
She pleaded with youth to avoid crime and encouraged them to make better choices, reminding them that a criminal record is not easy to erase — it’s a heavy burden.
#StayAwayFromCrime #YouthAndLaw #ThinkBeforeYouAct
IEC’s Salala Mzizi: Voting and Civic Engagement
Salala Mzizi from the IEC re-emphasized the importance of youth participation in the country’s democratic processes. He encouraged the attendees to register to vote, stay politically aware, and take advantage of their constitutional rights to influence policy and change.
He also mentioned youth-centered IEC campaigns and upcoming events to deepen civic awareness.
#RegisterToVote #YouthPower #DemocracyInAction
Gauteng Young Vision: From Tembisa to the Province
Representing Gauteng Young Vision, Elias Sibeko (also known as Captain SA) highlighted various youth programs conducted by the organization — from sports development and anti-drug campaigns to entrepreneurship and life skills training across Tembisa and other regions in Gauteng.
His talk was an energizing reminder that youth can create change when they are equipped, supported, and united.
#GautengYoungVision #CaptainSA #YouthPrograms
Reading of the South African Preamble: A Symbolic Close
The event concluded on a patriotic note with a collective reading of the Preamble of the South African Constitution. The atmosphere was electric as young people stood tall, reminding themselves of their rights, responsibilities, and shared future.
This impactful Youth Month celebration was more than just a ceremony — it was a call to action. Through collaboration between the IEC, the Tembisa Municipality, and various local organizations, it proved that when sectors unite for a common purpose, real change is not just possible — it’s inevitable.
#YouthMonth2025 #TembisaYouth #UpliftmentThroughUnity #RabasothoHallEvent #SAYouthEmpowerment
