Youth Day

Youth Day is a day of national importance in South Africa. It marks the rising up of the youth against the apartheid education system, culminating in a mass protest march on June 16 1976. The bravery of the youth that day was a vital ingredient in the successful movement against apartheid and the effects of their actions are still widely admired. This all took place just a stone’s throw from Jozi, in the township of Soweto.

This year, the day is marked by several events, mostly linked to entertainment rather than history. These include the Concert at Mofolo Park, Soweto, and the Uprising Party at Bassline. There are also innovative, social events planned, such as Cheesekids’ for Humanity’s Youth Day March, where the day will be commemorated by painting the classrooms of two schools, planting veggie gardens and tutoring students, all along the original 1976 route.   

Whatever you end up doing on June 16^th, whether watching the boks take on England, going out or relaxing at home, make sure that you take a moment to commemorate the historical importance of the day too. 

If you would like to find out more about the history of Youth Day, a visit to Soweto’s Hector Pieterson Museum and Memorial as well as The Apartheid Museum are mandatory.