In Conversation With Obakeng Kamela Acting Youth Federal Deputy
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The Democratic Alliance (DA) Youth commemorated Youth Day on Monday, 16 June 2025, with events held across the country, where young party members gathered to reflect on the legacy of the 1976 student uprising and the challenges still facing South Africa’s youth today.
In their nationwide gatherings, the DA Youth called for urgent action to tackle youth unemployment, crime, and the education crisis, emphasizing that young people remain the most affected by economic stagnation and poor governance.
"Despite nearly three decades of democracy, young South Africans are still being let down," said Obakeng Kamela, the party’s Acting youth Federal Deputy . "Youth Day is not just a time to remember — it’s a time to demand progress."
The DA Youth noted the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU) with cautious optimism but stressed that real change will depend on delivery.
One of the key issues raised was the ongoing crisis at the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), which continues to delay payments and put students at risk of eviction from university accommodation. The DA Youth demanded urgent reforms to ensure students receive the support they are promised.
They also raised alarm over rising gender-based violence (GBV) and called for greater investment in safe spaces for survivors, along with tougher measures to combat crime, drug abuse, and gangsterism — all of which disproportionately affect young people.
“Young South Africans are not asking for charity. We are demanding opportunity, safety, and dignity. Government must now step up and act,” said Olay.
As the nation reflected on Youth Day 2025, the DA Youth reaffirmed its commitment to holding government accountable and amplifying the voices of South Africa’s next generation.
In their nationwide gatherings, the DA Youth called for urgent action to tackle youth unemployment, crime, and the education crisis, emphasizing that young people remain the most affected by economic stagnation and poor governance.
"Despite nearly three decades of democracy, young South Africans are still being let down," said Obakeng Kamela, the party’s Acting youth Federal Deputy . "Youth Day is not just a time to remember — it’s a time to demand progress."
The DA Youth noted the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU) with cautious optimism but stressed that real change will depend on delivery.
One of the key issues raised was the ongoing crisis at the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), which continues to delay payments and put students at risk of eviction from university accommodation. The DA Youth demanded urgent reforms to ensure students receive the support they are promised.
They also raised alarm over rising gender-based violence (GBV) and called for greater investment in safe spaces for survivors, along with tougher measures to combat crime, drug abuse, and gangsterism — all of which disproportionately affect young people.
“Young South Africans are not asking for charity. We are demanding opportunity, safety, and dignity. Government must now step up and act,” said Olay.
As the nation reflected on Youth Day 2025, the DA Youth reaffirmed its commitment to holding government accountable and amplifying the voices of South Africa’s next generation.