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.

Molo Says: It sounds like a cliché to say children are the future, but they are. One of South Africa’s biggest challenges is to take the youth forward and ensure a brighter future for them. Discover youth and social projects with CapeTownMagazine.com

Learn more about South African Public Holidays:

New Years Day
Human Rights Day
Good Friday
Family Day
Freedom Day
Workers Day
National Women's Day
Heritage Day
Day of Reconciliation
Christmas Day
Day of Goodwill

There is always something special happening across the country on public holidays, so keep an eye on our events section for updates as well as other amazing events happening in and around Cape Town throughout the year.

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