More than 50 youths from Soshanguve paid tribute to the youth of June 16, 1976.

The youth from Kgomotso Children Centre (KCC), a non-profit organisation based at Soshanguve Block NN, celebrated the more than 10 000 students who protested against the introduction of Afrikaans as the medium of instruction in local schools.

The celebrations, led by the theme ‘arts against drugs’ began with a fun walk.

The youth and adults wore school uniforms to show their support.  

Activities that demonstrated the struggle were included.

The popular musical, Sarafina was performed during the event.   

Kgomotso Nyalungo (26) founder of KCC said they celebrated June 16 to show appreciation to the youth of 1976. 

“We say to the youth of today, let us avoid doing bad things in the streets and do something good that will leave a mark behind,” she said.

Nyalungo said if the youth was not fruitfully utilising their freedom, then it was pointless.

Sergeant Ntombizodwa Maphanga from the Social Crime Prevention unit said since democracy, the relationship between the police and the public had changed.

She said they could now work well together to fight the scourge of drugs and prevent crime.

54 year- old Busisiwe Mnxombola, a resident from Soshanguve Block NN said: “I was also there in Soweto. I saw the blood.”

“I was 14 years old at the time but I still remember what happened that day. Today I celebrate because our children are now happy,” explained Mnxombola

 Priscilla Nyalungo (16) from Soshanguve Block NN, said even though she was not part of the protest in 16 June 1976, she could imagine what the youth went through.

“The youth of 1976 were very brave. We are no longer taught through the Bantu education system. They fought for us,” said Nyalungo.