Naseerah Nanabhai | naseerahnanabhai@gmail.com
14 June 2023 | 19:00 CAT
2 min read

Photo Credit: Daily Maverick

Friday, 16 June 2023, marks the 47th anniversary of the student uprising in Soweto when brave young men and women protested against using Afrikaans as a medium of instruction in township schools.

On that day, over 10,000 students began their march against the government’s mandate, facing fierce police brutality, with numerous students losing their lives and many others injured.

The day now recognised as National Youth Day in South Africa is also known as International Day of the African Child, which aims to break down barriers African children face in receiving a quality education. Youth Day reminds young people of their power and agency to create a better future for themselves and future generations.

National Youth Day and Youth Month will be celebrated under the theme: “Accelerated youth economic emancipation for a sustainable future”.

In helping to draw more young people into the economy, under the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, the government has initiated various youth development and empowerment initiatives to support young people, ranging from formal education and training to leadership and internships and support for youth entrepreneurship. The initiatives provide the necessary support for young people to take on their challenges and win.

South African youth 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 16 June 1976, and keeping the story alive, reminds today’s youth of the significant challenges in securing their freedom. It also helps young people understand their ability to change the narrative and inspire transformation among themselves and their communities.