Celebrated on June 16 every year, Youth Day in South Africa commemorates the Soweto Uprising in the country. The day is celebrated in order to recognize the role of youth in the liberation of South Africa from the Apartheid regime. The June 16, 1976 Uprising that began in Soweto and spread countrywide profoundly changed the socio-political landscape in South Africa. Events that triggered the uprising can be traced back to policies of the Apartheid government that resulted in the introduction of the Bantu Education Act in 1953.
To celebrate Youth Day 2018, we’re taking a look at South African brands and their history. We sent local fashion influencers pieces from our chosen brands and asked them what this special day means to them.
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Brett Robson
The Brett Robson brand was founded by style & beauty blogger Brett Robson. Brett has a background in fashion design, & have been in the clothing industry since graduating. Launched in May 2015, the clothing brand was launched on Bretts blog. It is now sold online on Zando. In August 2017, Brett Robson embraced inclusivity by photographing models of all sizes.
Brett Robson Influencer, Keketso, on what Youth Day means to her
My view on youth day, I think, is the reminder that we are now free to do as we please, speak freely, imagine freely and be able to dress freely. Had we not had all these brave activists abolish being caged, we would have been controlled in how we speak, how we talk, how we think and most importantly how We look.Youth day reminds the older generation of their times as the younger generation, it reminds them of how far we’ve come and how diverse we’ve gotten as a nation, thus the notion “rainbow nation”. And it reminds the youth of today that there’s always more to be done, seeing how free we are because of trade unions that were developed by the people on the basis of pushing togetherness in the past. So from me to you, express yourself in the most extraordinary manner with the motive to celebrate why you are free because in a nutshell , that’s what youth day is all about – Celebrating freedom. Celebrating the 16th of June that has moulded us into thinking of the bad as the good result of our now. And celebrating the freedom to dress and imagine.
Jozsy
Ramoetse Tshabalala, the founder and director of the brand JOZSY is a Johannesburg-based designer who grew up in the Free State. After Studying and completing his Fashion Design in Sedibeng College, he worked with a few renowned designers before he could commence his own brand. Fittingly, he has participated in a few fashion shows such as Soweto fashion Week, Fashion Without Borders where he won the competition at least three times in a row. In the midst of it all, he was doing few clients at a time, got offer to supply other local boutiques: small and big, until he made it to Zando.
Jozsy Influencer, Kgomotso, on what Youth Day means to her
Historically, we understand Youth day to be the day marking the start of student protests against the Bantu education system. It is the day of uprising. It is the day where OUR Youth put their foot down, and risked their lives all in the name of freedom. Today Youth Day means celebrating freedom, overcoming, and those who took such an expressive stand for the betterment of lives.
We now have the opportunity to access and be present in multicultural environments. The existence and lives of all the young people in South African are valued. We are blessed and ever so grateful for the selfless students who realised the importance of freedom and expression through such a historical moment.
Viva Afrika Burwa, VIVA!
N’Joy
N’JOY was found in 2014 and is passionate about designing and making clothes. All garments are designed and produced in Cape Town allowing them to provide exceptional value, quality and superb customer service. The brand strives to translate current fashion trends into the clothes of your dream.
N’Joy Influencer, Kiara, on her outfit
Is it a top or a dress?! One garment and so many options, this N’Joy dress thrives in its comfort and versatility, allowing you to dress it up or down. The asymmetrical panel lines and a mixture of print give this garment originality and flare.
Judith Atelier
Judith Atelier is a high end luxury women’s wear clothing, situated between the Ceres Mountains in the Western Cape near Cape Town, owned by founder and designer, Judith Smit. All hand selected fabric are carefully used to create trendy, new inspired clothing focusing on specific attention to construction techniques and the story behind every range, celebrating the beauty of the inner creative self without boundaries striving to bring something different with handwriting into the fashion industry of South Africa.
As women we should be an inspiration to each other and empower one another. Fashion is such a powerful and expressive source of communication and to let women feel strong. This is why Judith Atelier’s focus is on empowering women, celebrating the beauty of the inner creative self without boundaries. We are proud to say that all our products are locally produced inside our design house. Our machinists are local ladies from around the area who shares the passion for what they do and have been part of the Judith Atelier story from day one.
Judith Atelier Influencer, Nolusindiso, on what Youth Day means to her
Youth Day to me means the youth fighting for what they believe in, irrespective of the repercussions. Fighting for a course, no matter who is at the door blocking it. The youth of 1976 fought against a system that was oppressive to them – being taught in Afrikaans, it said they had the power in numbers to break the shackles of oppression.
Youth Day is a day to celebrate the strength and bravery of the youth and that means to be no matter your age or how little of an impact you think you have, stand up for what you believe in, no success is possible without action.
The future of any country lies in its youth, the future leaders are today’s youth and Youth Day is there to remind the youth of their abilities and their powers, how fighting for your place in the world secures your future. The characteristics built in our youths form the foundations of the structures needed in the years to come, and Youth Day to me serves as a reminder that the key to our futures are in our pockets.
Paige Smith
Paige Smith is a ready-and-easy-to-wear ladies’ apparel brand. Manufactured in her family factory in Cape Town, the brand is headed by Paige Sher (formerly Smith). It is the stories you share with your friends. The moments you feel alive. The special things you remember. Each one of them you carry with you. Together they make up your life. A collection of moments. Little ‘Paiges’ of these stories you find as hidden details in every garment.
Paige Smith Influencer, Nwabisa, on what Youth Day means to her
To me youth day means to be free, to embrace and celebrate those who fought for the privilege of freedom, equality and pride, it means endless opportunities that I have access to pave the way for the next generation granted that I know for sure that nothing can stop me from becoming whatever I desire to be and being able to work freely to archiving my goals.
Along the way I have acquired the freedom of expressing myself with the way I dress and embracing different elements of beauty to light up my mood each and everyday when I check my clothing rail and today I celebrate June 16 with Zando check out how I have styled my look for the day and I plan to go out for lunch with my friends and catch up on latest scoops in the fashion industry and share progressive ideas.
African Style Story
African Style Story collections are inspired by different cultures and traditions from Africa and around the world. Each garment is made in a workshop in Johannesburg and due to focus on high quality, production is limited. African Style Story aspires to consolidate the South African market and to focus on exporting in the near future.
