Aakifah Slarmie, a digital creator, explores the ways in which travel preserves the essence of Youth Day.

"In celebration of Youth Month, I wanted to explore how the legacy of June 16 shapes the way the younger generation sees the world today. To get a fresh perspective on contemporary Gen Z travel trends, I chatted with Cape Town-based digital creator Aakifah Slarmie about why the freedom to travel is deeply intertwined with our history."

The 24-year-old, recognised as @aakifahslarmie across social media platforms, rose to fame by sharing viral TikTok videos that showcase her early morning wellness routines and ocean plunges.

Although her digital footprint spans beauty, style, and wellness, our conversation centred solely on her travel experiences.

Her past favourites for excursions have featured the Dalebrook tidal pool, Admiral’s Waterfall and the Simon’s Town Museum.