The Fiftieth Anniversay of June 16, 1976

Today is June 16, the fiftieth anniversary of the Soweto Uprising in 1976. The challenges South African children face today are innumerable - hunger, illiteracy, poverty… and yet we still have a people full of love, joy and spirit, who continue to give back.

Hold Hector Pieterson and the approximately 76 other students who lost their lives in your mind today. Honour their memories by reading a South African story, be thankful that for their sacrifice, students have access to education in their mother tongues, and remember the power of the youth.

Thank you to author Adrienne Wright for sharing Hector’s story with younger readers.

Let history never repeat itself and let us listen to the children for “the courage of our youth ensures our victory” (Thami Mnyele).

Photos by Sam Nzima and Peter Magubane.

Posters by Thami Mnyele and the Medu Art Ensemble.