The Power of Youth

by Robin Monakali

The 16 June marks Youth Day in South Africa, a day to commemorate the brave and courageous, role played by young people in the liberation of our country. Youth Day honours the anniversary of the historic 1976 Soweto Uprising which was a demonstration in Soweto, led largely by high school students, against the then apartheid government’s mandate that all school subjects be taught in Afrikaans. This decision caused an uproar among students, their parents, and teachers.

Frustrated by the compulsory introduction of Afrikaans as the primary teaching language in schools as well as the poor quality and oppressive nature of the Bantu Education Act, students throughout Soweto organised a peaceful protest on 16 June 1976. The protest was planned by the Soweto Students Representative Council, with support from the Black Consciousness Movement. Thousands of students marched toward Orlando Stadium. The students sang and waved placards.

Before too long what had been a peaceful protest march turned violent as the police began to shoot at the protesters. Many students were injured by the police, and it is estimated that 176 lost their lives. The event developed into a full-scale conflict that spread across the country. It became one of the most tragic, yet pivotal protests in South Africa’s history, now known as the Soweto Uprising. The students’ passion and sacrifice resulted in international pressure and sanctions against the South African government to make changes to its educational policies.

The 16 June 1976 started a revolution that would see the end of apartheid and the beginning of a new South Africa.

On Youth Day, Conflict Dynamics pays tribute to the students who took part in the march of 1976 against the shackles of apartheid. We also honour and remember those young people around the world who have lost their lives in the face of brutal political systems and all forms of oppression.?Viva South Africa, Viva.

HAPPY YOUTH DAY SOUTH AFRICA!