Mbeki calls on youth to follow Soweto legacy

South African youth should adopt the spirit of the Soweto struggle against apartheid in fighting problems of crime and corruption, President Thabo Mbeki said Friday.

Celebrating the anniversary of that turning point in South African history, Mbeki told a crowd of 40,000 in a Soweto stadium to fight against problems that weaken the country's democracy.

"The youth need to confront those who disrespect our freedom by abusing other people, robbing, raping, killing and destroying public and private property," Mbeki said.

Violent crime is a serious problem in South Africa with one of the highest rates of homicide in the world.