A look back at the youth of 1976

De La Salle Holy Cross College hosted a morning with Seth Mazibuko who shared on how the youth's minds and hands still hold great power.

June 28, 2023

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Isabella Manas, Seth Mazibuko, Diego De Abreu.

De La Salle Holy Cross College was host to a morning of great reflection and education beyond what the history books can share on the 1976 uprising.

The school was honoured with the presence of the guest speaker, Seth Mazibuko, who is described as having been the youngest member of the Student Action Committee that planned and led the Soweto uprising at only 16 years old, for which he was arrested.

In his address to the school, Mazibuko reminded all in attendance that the days of throwing stones need to come to an end. As positive outcomes can only be achieved through sweat, not blood. Adding it is time to pick up those stones lying in the dust and build a nation cemented on a foundation of forgiveness and love – the future of South Africa depends on it. “As it is the hands and the hearts of our youth that will be critical to the success of that process.”

College principal, Neil Berndsen said the Soweto uprising would always be a solemn reminder of our country’s past, “At a time when many people thought change was impossible, June 16, 1976, proved that wrong. It is a day which recognises the sacrifices made, acknowledges courage and tenacity, and celebrates the voices of our youth which need to be protected and heard.”

He continued to say there are many examples in the life of our country where the most meaningful lessons learned are those taught by our youth. These moments can be easily missed yet have the power to change the course of history – to change a nation.