Youth Day in Durban

6 June marks the day of the Soweto Uprising on this day in 1976 and is now celebrated as Youth Day.

The Soweto Uprising was a turning point in South Africa’s history and will be commemorated for years to come.

Although Youth Day originated to commemorate the death of the students who took part in the uprising (an estimated 2000 students from various schools in Soweto took to the street in protest against Afrikaans being the medium of instruction in local schools), today, the majority of South Africans believe the focus should shift to the future. Although what happened on 16 June 1976 will not be forgotten, the idea is that instead of harbouring on the past we move forward and use the day to uplift the youth of the country and celebrate their bright future.

The day is commemorated and celebrate in various ways throughout the country, ranging from memorial services to huge musical events.