"Today we as South Africans commemorate the tragedy of 16 June 1976. It, perhaps, became the single most important event serving as a catalyst for the birth of a new democratic South Africa. In reflecting, let us never forget that the road to democracy was paved in human suffering and bloodshed.

But in commemorating Youth Day we also need to reflect on where we are as a nation, and also on the kind of South Africa we wish to live in - and leave for next generations to come. In doing so, we need to acknowledge our past and make positive contributions to build a better society for all.

I sincerely believe that our Faculty has a significant role to play in this regard. In 1976 our faculty was not accessible to all South Africans but today it serves an all-inclusive student community – and even reaches students from all over the continent.

Let us continue to build on the positives and embrace an attitude of finding solutions for the many problems that still exist in our community and also in our education system."