The Safety and Peace Promotion Research Unit of the Medical Research Council and University of South Africa, (UNISA) Institute for Social and Health Sciences hosted an event in Broadlands Park, Cape Town to commemorate Youth Day. The event was organised in collaboration with members of the Broadlands Park community. More than 200 youth from the community participated in the day’s activities. 

The theme, “Freedom to Move”, derived from the African Youth Charter, was intended to capture that following 16 June 1976 South African youth have increased opportunities which allow them to move freely in their country and globally; and to access better educational opportunities. 

The day’s event included speakers from the Provincial Department of Labour; the Provincial Department of Health; the Western Cape Therapeutic Community Centre, providing a substance abuse rehabilitation service; the Chrysalis Academy, a social crime prevention and youth development organisation; the South African Police Service; and various members of the Broadlands Park community. Some of the key issues which were highlighted remain pertinent issues facing the youth, like educational and labour related prospects, as well as drug addiction. Messages of inspiration and hope were given to the youth of the community.

The theme was celebrated through performances by local dance groups and young musicians from the community. The event which included a soccer tournament, was concluded on a joyful note with the handing out of gifts to the young people who participated in the event on 10 June 2010.

Some of the youth in attendance at the soccer tournament held in Broadlands Park