The Soweto Uprising was a protest by black school children in June 1976, against imposing Afrikaans as a medium of instruction in schools. The protests were triggered after the then administration announced that all students would be required to take their end-of-year exams in Afrikaans. Police responded with tear gas and dogs, which led to rioting. This resulted in dozens of deaths and injuries, and caused international outrage at the apartheid government’s use of violence against children. We see the incident as the catalyst for international sanctions against South Africa during the 1980s.
Soweto Uprising
On 16 June 1976, a day which came to be known as “Soweto Uprising Day”, thousands of school children in the Soweto suburb of Johannesburg took to the streets to protest against introducing Afrikaans as a language of instruction. Police shot and killed the students; many others were injured and others arrested or detained. In the aftermath of this tragic event, it became clear that apartheid was not just an ideology but also oppression that had been applied to every aspect of life in South Africa—including education.
The Soweto Uprising was a turning point in South Africa’s struggle against apartheid and led many students like Steve Biko into political activism for freedom and equality.
South African Youth Day
Soweto Uprising
In June 1976, South African police opened fire on protesting students in Soweto. The Soweto Uprising took place during a period of unrest known as “The Struggle” and helped to highlight the oppressive nature of the apartheid regime. It also marked an important turning point in black resistance movements against state oppression in South Africa.
South African Youth Month
We celebrate South African Youth Month every year from 1 June to 30 June, which is also known as Youth Day or Youth Pledge Day (June 16). Parliament officially recognised this on 16 November 2004 with the passing of a bill that would make it an official event for all South Africans below the age of 35 years old.
South Africa Youth Month
South Africa Youth Month is a time to celebrate the achievements of South African youth and to acknowledge their contribution to the country.
The month is also used to raise awareness about the role of young people in society.
The first South Africa Youth Month was celebrated in June 1991 and has been observed every year since then.
We celebrate youth month in June every year.
