From guides and rangers to chefs, conservationists and entrepreneurs, we celebrate the young people helping shape South Africa's future.
What Youth Day Means to Us
# Honouring the Past, Inspiring the Future
Every year on 16 June, South Africans pause to remember the young people whose courage helped shape the country we call home.
On this day in 1976, thousands of students took to the streets of Soweto to stand up for what they believed was right. What followed became one of the most important moments in our country's history. Many young people paid the ultimate price, but their bravery helped change the course of South Africa forever.
Yet Youth Day is about more than remembering the past.
It's also a chance to reflect on the generations that have followed and the young people who continue to shape our future every day.
As passionate South Africans, one of the greatest privileges of working in travel is meeting people from all walks of life across our continent. Time and time again, we're inspired by young people who are making a difference in their communities, their industries and their countries. We see it in the young ranger sharing their passion for the bush. The young guide bringing a destination to life through storytelling. The young chef celebrating local flavours. The young sommelier championing South African wines. The young conservationist protecting our wild spaces. The young entrepreneur creating opportunities. The young people leading community initiatives and helping build a brighter future for those around them.
These are the people helping shape not only the future of travel, but the future of our country and our continent.
Supporting young people has never been more important. When young people are given opportunities to learn, grow and succeed, entire communities benefit. New ideas emerge, businesses flourish and future leaders are given the chance to thrive.
As we reflect on the legacy of 1976, we're reminded that every generation has a role to play in shaping what comes next.
Today, we honour the young people who came before us, and we celebrate the young people who continue to inspire us.
As Nelson Mandela so beautifully said:
*"Our children are our greatest treasure. They are our future. Those who abuse them tear at the fabric of our society and weaken our nation."*
Happy Youth Day, South Africa.