16 June 1976. What should’ve have been a regular day for some, marked the beginning of a revolution for others. Gatherings, meetings, protests and ultimately change.

The kind of change that allows me to sit here and write this; the kind of change that laid the foundation for me and those that look like me to have access to the type of schools our parents couldn’t go to. The kind of change that, in a perfect world, would allow me the same access as my counterparts to education and the opportunities that await once the education is complete.

However, we don’t live in a perfect world. Forty-five years on, we live in a world that has turned education into a commodity. A world where knowledge has a price tag. A world where the price means knowledge is out of reach for many, so our parents and guardians do their best to bring the knowledge a bit closer. Blood, sweat and tears just so we can walk on stage in our graduation gowns and finally triumph. But once the ceremony ends, dues have to be paid and we are reminded of the price tag.

The same price tag that held back those that came before us. The same price tag that we hope won’t hold us back. The same price tag that few generations have managed to break free from. The price tag that for decades has shackled our people.

You see the problem with this price tag is that it’s not attached to clothing or products. This price tag is attached to people, this price tag is a system.

Many have tried to break this system. Many have failed, not because their efforts were inadequate but because there are groups that rebuild the system while the masses are trying to break it down. Our brothers and sisters in the student movements have on multiple occasions tried to break down this system. Our brothers and sisters in other spheres have also challenged this system.

In everything we do today, we stand on the shoulders of those that came before us. Their actions and sacrifices serve as the foundation on which we build upon and challenge the system. If we fail, we know that it is only temporary and we can take comfort in knowing that we made the task slightly easier for those that will come after us.

On this Youth Day, 45 years later, we keep our heads up and raise our fists in the air. We accept the responsibility placed on our shoulders not only to make life easier for our people but to remove the price tag. When purchasing something once you remove the price tag you have claimed and accepted ownership.

On this Youth Day, 45 years later, let us challenge the system and take control of our future. Let us remove the price tag.