THIS year marks the 47th anniversary of the June 16, 1976 student uprising in Soweto when young people protested against the imposition of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction by the then government.
On this day, South Africa saw a series of demonstrations and protests led by black learners.
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The uprising ended tragically with hundreds of young people being killed by the police. Following the advent of democracy in 1994, the new democratic government declared June 16 as National Youth Day and June as Youth Month.
The declaration honours the contribution of the youth in the struggle for the liberation of South Africa.
Quick facts
- An estimated 20 000 children from Soweto schools took part in the protest.
- Among the first children killed were 15-year-old Hastings Ndlovu and 12-year-old Hector Pieterson.
- Tsietsi Mashinini led the march.
- The protests spread quickly to many other parts of the country.
- Close to 1 000 students were killed in confrontations with the police.
- The protest was planned by the Soweto Students’ Representative (SSRC) with support from the Black Consciousness Movement.
- Teachers and parents also joined the march.
Today, Deputy President Paul Mashatile will lead the National Youth Day commemoration in Mangaung, Free State. Youth Day will focus on ‘accelerating youth economic emancipation for a sustainable future’.
It will also feature an ‘opportunities expo’ with real-time education, and funding and mentorship opportunities that young people can access.
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