Youth Day (Public Holiday)

South African youth remember the Soweto Riots on this significant Public Holiday


June 16th is a Public Holiday in South Africa commemorating the start of the Soweto Riots of 1976, sparked off by a government edict that all instruction in black schools would be held in Afrikaans.

The iconic picture of Hector Pieterson, a black schoolchild shot by the police in Soweto near Johannesburg during a peaceful process march, brought home the brutalities of the Apartheid regime to many people within and outside of South Africa. In the weeks that followed over 700 people - mostly youth - were killed.

Youth Day could be a conflict-ridden date, but instead it serves to remind South Africa of the importance of its youth and brings across the message that something like “the Soweto riots” should never happen again.

January
1 January - New Year's Day

March
21 March - Human Rights Day

April
2 April - Good Friday
5 April - Family Day
27 April - Freedom Day

May
1 May - Workers Day

June
16 June - Youth Day

August
9 August - National Women's Day

September
24 September - Heritage Day

December
16 December - Day of Reconciliation
25 December - Christmas Day
26 December - Day of Goodwill


Cape Town and South Africa always have great events, festivals and rallies on all public holidays. Discover things to do, both outdoors and inside on public holidays and read about some all year round events at CapeTownMagazine.com

For updates on happenings in and around Cape Town for kids, for you or for the whole family, be sure to subscribe to our free monthly Editor's Picks Newsletter and follow us on Twitter.

 

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Cape Town Events Calendar
June 2010
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Tom8Happy Hour at Tommy’s Sports Bar

One hour a day for a week … sound good?

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kink - new logo1Thursday Nights at The House of KINK

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outside restaurant forkLunch Special with a Tapas Twist at Fork

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Homemakers expo 2Cape Homemakers Expo 2010

Offering you and your home the latest in lifestyle trends

Microphone on stageDarling Voorkamerfest 2010

Widely regarded as one of the most unique arts festivals in the world

Marlise Keith Marlise Keith at iArt Gallery

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Paarl in AutumnThe Hout Street Gallery Winter Gala

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Don PackettCelebs Stand Up for Charity

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Nandos Comedy FestivalNando's Cape Town Comedy Festival

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Wheel of ExcellenceThe Wheel of Excellence at the V&A ...

South Africa’s first observation wheel right in the Mother City

Beezy Bailey 2Beezy Bailey: Works on Paper

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Beyond Boundaries Barnard Gallery Beyond Boundaries

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Michael Stevenson GalleryThe eclipse will not be visible to the ...

Michael Stevenson is pleased to present a solo exhibition of video, ...

Pieter HugoPermanent Error Exhibition

Michael Stevenson is pleased to present a solo exhibition of new work by Pieter ...

Knife Fork Jonkershuis Winter Menus

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Discoball 1970’s Musical Tribute Show

From Elton John to Tina Turner – we are going back to the 70’s baby...

minstrel carnival cape townGhoema and Glitter: New Year Carnival

Iziko Social History Collections department presents a peek into Cape Malay ...

edge glass 2The EDGE Glass Gallery Presents ...

The EDGE Glass Gallery presents 'African Light' - an exhibition of local and ...

Tom8Happy Hour at Tommy’s Sports Bar

One hour a day for a week … sound good?

societi imageA Tour of France with Societi Bistro

A festival of Menus inspired by regions of France

quay fourSnoek Special and Table Taps at Quay ...

Fish and Beer … need we say more?

Neighbours by Michael TaylorMichael Taylor at Worldart

A star is born …

Kink - djFriday Nights at The House of KINK

Be Flirty on Friday nights at Cape Town’s sexiest place

Bertha outsideFriday Nights at Bertha’s Restaurant

Round off your dinner with the live sounds of Dave Ornellas

kink - foodDelectable Winter Special Menu at The ...

Kink's Winter Specials just get better and better!

Black Marlin foodWinter Evening Set Menu at Black Marlin ...

It’s time to cosy up to the Black Marlin

Bertha outsideBertha's Restaurant Scrumptious Set ...

Don't you just love winter with its warm wintry food specials?

Mavericks Fridays at Mavericks Strip Club in Cape ...

Distinguished experiences don't come much better than on Fridays at Mavericks ...

outside restaurant forkLunch Special with a Tapas Twist at Fork

Expect a fusion of contemporary European cuisine with a unique South African ...

Homemakers expo 2Cape Homemakers Expo 2010

Offering you and your home the latest in lifestyle trends

Microphone on stageDarling Voorkamerfest 2010

Widely regarded as one of the most unique arts festivals in the world

Marlise Keith Marlise Keith at iArt Gallery

The Gluttony of Eve: Inside every piggy there is a Twiggy

Paarl in AutumnThe Hout Street Gallery Winter Gala

Enjoy a visit to the Gallery with its relaxed atmosphere and personal service

 Touch of Madness Moulin Rouge EventQuest to Save the Moulin Rouge

A Mystery Murder Dinner to remember…

Basement Jaxx 2Basement Jaxx live in Cape Town

Set your body Free with the ultimate duo, Basement Jaxx

Nandos Comedy FestivalNando's Cape Town Comedy Festival

Bringing the world’s hottest comedy acts to the Mother City

Kids fun Winter Holiday Fun on Table Mountain

Magic shows, prizes and much more in Winter Wonderland

NoreturnNoreturn

Michael Stevenson is pleased to present Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster's film as ...

mamma miaMamma Mia in Cape Town

Boasting a cast featuring South Africa's finest stars, Mamma Mia! is 2010's ...

Wheel of ExcellenceThe Wheel of Excellence at the V&A ...

South Africa’s first observation wheel right in the Mother City

Beezy Bailey 2Beezy Bailey: Works on Paper

João Ferreira Gallery is pleased to re-open "Works on Paper" by Beezy Bailey

Beyond Boundaries Barnard Gallery Beyond Boundaries

Christiaan Barnard presents Rachelle Bomberg and 13 of her most important works ...

Michael Stevenson GalleryThe eclipse will not be visible to the ...

Michael Stevenson is pleased to present a solo exhibition of video, ...

Pieter HugoPermanent Error Exhibition

Michael Stevenson is pleased to present a solo exhibition of new work by Pieter ...

Knife Fork Jonkershuis Winter Menus

Societi Bistro’s sister restaurant will keep you warm this winter…

Discoball 1970’s Musical Tribute Show

From Elton John to Tina Turner – we are going back to the 70’s baby...

minstrel carnival cape townGhoema and Glitter: New Year Carnival

Iziko Social History Collections department presents a peek into Cape Malay ...

edge glass 2The EDGE Glass Gallery Presents ...

The EDGE Glass Gallery presents 'African Light' - an exhibition of local and ...

Antiques 1The V&A Waterfront Antiques Fair

It’s all about things old …

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Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

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Extraordinary bicycle tour brings Xhosa customs to life in Masiphumelele

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Bring that some one special for a sunset to remember

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