By Naseerah Nanabhai
15:06:2021

This year marks the 45th anniversary of the student uprising in Soweto. On June 16th 1976, brave young men and women stood up in protest against the use of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction in township schools. On that day, over 10,000 students began their march against the government’s mandate. These students faced fierce police brutality, with numerous students losing their lives and many others injured.

The day now recognized as National Youth Day in South Africa is also known as International Day of the African Child, which aims to break down barriers faced by African children in receiving a quality education. Youth Day serves as a reminder of the power and agency that young people have to create a better future for themselves and the coming generations.

This year, National Youth Day and Youth Month are celebrated under the theme:
“The Year of Charlotte Mannya Maxeke: Growing youth employment for an inclusive and transformed society”. It centres around a societal vision of opportunities for youth employment and youth leadership, the realization of which relies on the inclusion and participation of all sectors of society. These sectors are required to implement inclusive youth interventions aimed at promoting the constitutional rights of all youth.

Young people in South Africa face numerous challenges concerning lack of quality education, poverty, poor health and unemployment. The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) aims to improve the current circumstances of youth in South Africa by initiating programmes that focus on improving young people’s livelihoods.

Remembering the events of June 16th 1976, and keeping the story alive, reminds the youth of today of the significant challenges that took place in securing their freedom. It also helps young people understand their ability to change the narrative and inspire transformation amongst themselves and their communities.