DURBAN - DOLPHINS cricket captain Khaya Zondo says the youth of today owe a lot to the youth of 1976.
Khaya, the son of Deputy Chief Justice Ray Zondo believes the youth should pay forward the gratitude everyday for the sacrifices made on that heroic day, 42 years ago today.
The Dolphins cricketer, who made his Proteas debut last year, said in days like today - he thought of the many unsung and nameless heroes of that day.
“We often remember those in our faces as leaders, but there are people we don’t know about who left their families fighting for democracy. Some of them died,” said Zondo.
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Zondo said some people had fought to liberate the country, but remained without jobs or education today.
“And because they were fighting for years, they now don’t have education or jobs are not successful in life, but we still reap the rewards of their hard work and sacrifices,” says Zondo. “It is such people I often think of (on this day) - the unsung heroes.”
The 28-year-old said as one got older - they realised how impactful the acts of that day were.
“The older you get you also start to realise the impact and influence that coming from a good background has and having people to always guide and counsel whenever you need it,” says Zondo.
“We can show appreciation of sacrifices that were made by making sure opportunities which are now available in a democratic country are not wasted. As a young South African, I am grateful for the opportunities that one has available to us today, especially in the sporting codes,” said Zondo, a Westville Boys High School Old Boy.