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Youth Day Honors 1976 Soweto Uprising Against Apartheid

On June 16, 1976, 48 years ago, pupils in Soweto, South Africa's largest black township, took to the streets to protest against an inferior education system, setting in motion the demise of apartheid. The uprising, which began in Soweto and spread countrywide, profoundly changed the sociopolitical landscape in South Africa.

Youth Day is observed annually on June 16. This day is a reminder of young people who died during this uprising because they wanted to fight against apartheid and especially its unjust Bantu education system. Thousands of students marched peacefully to demonstrate and protest against the government's directive, culminating in a rally at Orlando Stadium.

On their way there, they encountered heavily armed police who used tear gas against them followed by live rounds of ammunition on demonstrating students. There was a massive revolt that escalated into an uprising against the government. 

South African History Online

The June 16 1976 Uprising that began in Soweto and spread countrywide profoundly changed the socio-political landscape in South Africa.

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