Wednesday marks 45 years since Soweto’s students took to the streets to protest against the use of Afrikaans as the medium of instruction.
More than 200 people were killed when 10 000 people took part in the protest action.
The protests were inspired by a 1974 policy to force black South Africans to study Afrikaans, but deteriorating school infrastructure and overcrowded classrooms also contributed to the frustration.
The demonstrations would lead to countrywide protests against the apartheid government.
To mark the day, we have several contributions from various quarters.
The domestic head of the State Security Agency, advocate Mahlodi Muofhe, was among the students who protested in Soweto in 1976. He looks back at what that day means to him now and his frustration that not much seems to have changed for pupils.
We also have contributions from the youth themselves – seven contributors sent us their reflections on the challenges and frustrations they are dealing with.
Former UCT vice-chancellor and co-founder of ReimagineSA Mamphela Ramphele writes about the transformation she would like to see in order to give the youth a better chance. One South Africa Movement leader Mmusi Maimane calls on all South Africans to reflect on the day and to figure out where the country is going. University of Pretoria Vice-Chancellor Tawana Kupe has a similar sentiment, saying the youth of today need to take a stand so that they achieve the future they want.
To read more on the article titled “Youth Day, 45 years on: Reflections on the meaning of 16 June for today’s world” click here.
