Young people march for social justice on 50th anniversary of June 16

Siyabonga Sithole | Published 1 hour ago

Scores of young people from various parts of the country took part in the 50th anniversary of the June 16 commemorative march, calling for social justice and linking remembrance with the urgency for change.

Organised by the Seth Mazibuko Foundation and political and community-based partners, the march started at Moema and Vilakazi streets and concluded outside Orlando Stadium, now known as the Amstel Arena.

Marchers highlighted youth unemployment, GBV, crime, and other social ills affecting young people .

Katlelelo Mokgopane from Burgersfort, Limpopo, one of the passionate participants, raised her voice in support of tackling the scourge of gender-based violence (GBV).

She stated: "As a young person growing up in South Africa, I feel the issue of GBV must be prioritised as it not only affects women as victims. Sometimes men are victims of GBV, and police must find a better way of dealing with the scourge and not laugh at men who report GBV. The police must help everyone affected by GBV."

Also present at the march was Sphesihle Ndukuya, a second-year student at the University of Johannesburg, hailing from Dundee.

He reflected on the importance of understanding the history behind the march, asserting: "I joined this march today to understand and know what it felt like for those who died for us during 1976. My being here is also to show that today's young people are not lazy or apolitical. Even though the future is never certain, I urge young people to never give up on their dreams because there is always a chance of success if you do not give up."

For 20-year-old Soweto resident Andile Johannes, the commemorative walk from Orlando West to Orlando East served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by the youth of the 1976 uprisings.

"This march is about us young people showing that we care about the sacrifices that were made by the 1976 generation of young people, who went through pain and suffering during the dark days of apartheid," he said.

The event kicked off with President Cyril Ramaphosa leading a wreath-laying ceremony at the Hector Pieterson Memorial site in Orlando West, Soweto. His presence, alongside Joburg mayor Dada Morero and other dignitaries, underscored the day's profound significance.

Morero highlighted Johannesburg's status as a hub for young people seeking opportunities, affirming: "It is by no accident that this year is about resting at 50 years. This year is about celebrating our commitment to the future. For freedom lives in every generation. Therefore, we remain accountable to our youth by mapping barriers and auditing access for economic inclusion."

The day was marked not only by celebration but also remembrance, as activists, family, and friends of Tsietsi Mashinini, Hector Pieterson, and Hastings Ndlovu gathered at Avalon Cemetery to honour the fallen heroes of the Soweto Uprisings.

Azapo leader, Nelvis Qekema, revived calls for an investigation into the mysterious death of Mashinini, saying: "With those few words, comrades, I want to tell you that as Azapo, we have taken the decision that we are going to revamp and continue with the call for the inquest into the death of Tsietsi Mashinini, because he died under mysterious circumstances."

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