Soweto - Scores of youth have begun arriving at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto to commemorate National Youth Day.
There was a festive atmosphere at the stadium this morning, as the thousands of youth, many of whom were dressed in school uniforms, were entertained by local artists.
Screams of delight echoed throughout the stadium as the youth danced and clapped along to popular songs.
President Jacob Zuma is expected to deliver the key note address at the event this afternoon as the country commemorates the 35th anniversary of the 1976 uprisings.
South Africa marks Youth Day in recognition of the brave youth, who, on 16 June 1976, stood up against the apartheid government's Bantu education laws.
Zuma will be accompanied by Minister in the Presidency responsible for Performance, Monitoring and Evaluation, Collins Chabane, Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane, MEC for Sports, Culture and Recreation Lebogang Maile and National Youth Development Agency chairperson Andile Lungisa.
This year's Youth Day celebrations take place under the theme: Youth Action for Economic Freedom in Our Lifetime.
The theme is consistent with government's commitment to a meaningful economic transformation and inclusive growth towards the total eradication of poverty and the declaration of 2011 as the year of job creation.
Earlier on Thursday, the Naledi High School Sports Complex was officially opened and dignitaries laid a wreath at the Hector Pieterson Memorial.
