As the ruling party and key custodian, the nerve of the ANC to systematically undermine and degrade our national symbols and its values by selfishly commemorating national holidays as if it were their own, smacks of disrespect and ill-discipline. National symbols form an integral part of our democracy and play a reconciliatory significant role in uniting and celebrating our heritage, yet the ANC has seen it fit to use them to divide, sideline and ridicule their opponents.
The recent Youth Day (June 16) rally held at Katlehong and all the others held around the country, sharply resembled an ANC rally event as it consisted of an all exclusive ANC line-up and shared many similar characteristics. Worse still was the apparent inappropriate singing of Umshin Wam and repulsive messages such as by one elated singer, Winnie Khumalo who shouted much to the applause of the crowd that "They tried but they failed" – referring to recent election contestation directed mainly at Cope. The
ANC may have been dominant party at the time but 16 June 1976 was not necessarily an ANC event, Hector Petersen was not an ANC member and there were other political parties involved in the struggle as well. On 16 June 1976 ordinary students stood in solidarity for a just cause shared by all and it is therefore incorrect for the ANC to hijack this event and others as if they were their own.
It is also sad to see that the commemorating of 16 June has now been reduced to an exclusive concert and a series of drinking spree after-parties. A large portion of the tax-payers’ money spent on those events goes to paying for entertainment and alcohol just like all other ANC events. Of great concern is the lack of importance placed on the significance and relevance of Youth Day in relation to today’s society and its challenges. As part of the launch of the National Youth Development Agency (Nyda), President Jacob Zuma continued with his usual habit of making extraordinary promises lined with thin detail. At the end of the day clarity regarding the role, activities and outcomes of the newly-formed Nyda had not been given.
The President’s inaugural message that in his new role as State President he would work with opposition parties to unite the country is sadly still to be translated into action. The
ANC is deliberately blurring the line between state and party so they can continue to loot the state coffers and punish those who did not vote for them. For the sake of the welfare and dignity of the country this form of injustice and abuse must be condemned in the strongest terms and stopped.
President Zuma is president of all South Africans and the national symbols belong to us all. Kind regards

Leigh Lepelle
Cope member - Polokwane