Zuma addresses Youth Day commemoration

Thousands of people flocked to the Orlando Stadium in Soweto where the official commemoration was held.

Zuma said the students of '76 revolted against Bantu education because it was designed as if it was for the inferior.

He said the struggles of '76 were not in vain and urged the youth to not allow anything to stand in their way of an education.

"We now live in a constitutional democracy with a Constitution that enshrines the rights of all regardless of race. Race no longer determines where one lives or goes to school. Black people no longer have to carry passes or obtain permits to live and work in urban areas."

Zuma said violent protests threatens to destroy the social fabric of our society and encouraged young South Africans to help build the nation.

"We should remember that not a single school was built in the June 16 student uprising. Why do we believe we are building a future if our building it is to destroy it."

More than 20 schools in Vuwani have been torched and vandalised during recent violent protests.

Residents are set against a decision by the Municipal Demarcation Board to incorporate them into a new municipality. 

Zuma went on to recall the burning and destruction to property at universities across the country.

"Sadly we have seen horrible incidents in recent times, where students have done the unthinkable and burnt university buildings just to communicate that they cannot afford the fees."