Creating awareness of critical social issues such as Gender-Based Violence and the importance of Mental and Emotional Health, especially during trying times like exams, were at the heart of a fun-filled Youth Day celebration event on 13 June, hosted by the Head of Library and Information Services (LIS) Jacomi Cathro and her team, at the Tshwane University of Technology’s eMalahleni Campus.
Elsie Mosehana Acting HoD from Student Governance and Leadership Development (SGLD) kicked off the event with a moving address, commemorating 16 June 1976 as well as highlighting issues around GBV and the threat these pose to society; Sister Selina Xaba from the campus Clinic divulged information on ways of taking care of one’s mental, emotional and physical wellbeing during exams; with various other speakers from the Top Entrepreneurs and LIS, including Fortunate Sedibe, lecturer from Management Sciences, speaking about the vital role that entrepreneurship can play in equipping students with skills and knowledge to create their own jobs - especially in a country where the youth unemployment rate for those aged 15-34 years was 46.1% in the first quarter of 2025. It is even higher, at 62.4%, for the 15-24 age group, thus affecting new graduates entering the job market.
Sedibe and the Top Entrepreneurs did a sterling job through their own storytelling to share information and imparting skills and knowledge as well as encouraging entrepreneurship and economic growth.
The foggy morning and freezing cold winter weather could not dampen the staff and students’ enthusiasm. Having secured abandoned old predicate and exams results notice boards adjacent to the library, the LIS staff dished out stashes of colourful paint and brushes while challenging students to share their ideas and tell their stories through pictures - in only 60 minutes.
The notice boards and the library environment came alive with bold pictures portraying resistance to GBV, art works embracing the importance of mental and emotional well-being; as well as sketches of possible entrepreneurial ideas and ventures.
The students’ contagious enthusiasm soon saw other staff and service workers on the Campus joining in the fun and bringing colour to the Campus. The verdict from everyone was unanimous – it was a thoroughly enjoyable and educational way to spend Youth Day.
Students, staff and campus personnel alike had great fun during the recent Youth Day celebrations hosted by Library and Information Services at the eMalahleni Campus.