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

Read about all the other South African Public Holidays.

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


Molo says: "Lets use this day to remember those of the youth you fought for what we have today."

 

Cape Town Events Calendar
 
June 2009
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Aubergine Auslese event featureSophisticated private event space in ...

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Light House Holistic 2026Rooftop clubhouse with yoga, sauna, ...

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Pear Tree 2024Pear Tree, the tiny Hermanus bistro ...

Breakfast poké bowls, egg and kimchi tacos, and fresh juices

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Filini interiorFilini at Radisson Cape Town Foreshore

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Aubergine Auslese event featureSophisticated private event space in ...

Bespoke menus, wine pairings, and timeless interiors

Light House Holistic 2026Rooftop clubhouse with yoga, sauna, ...

It’s open from 7am to 5.30pm. 5 reasons to go Light House Holistic

Char'd tasting 2025Brandy, tequila & gin tastings with ...

Steaks are the main event. The tastings complete the experience

Pear Tree 2024Pear Tree, the tiny Hermanus bistro ...

Breakfast poké bowls, egg and kimchi tacos, and fresh juices

Dutchies recurring event Free jazz nights at Dutchies by Grotto ...

Sushi platters, crisp wine, and jazz in the sea breeze

Filini interiorFilini at Radisson Cape Town Foreshore

Tiramisu martinis, lasagne crocchetta and more

WB TAPSBrewery with food specials every single ...

Daily deals on classic comfort meals like burgers, schnitzel, ribs, steaks…

Woodstock Brewery Taproom NEW 4Cool taproom with amazing happy hour & ...

Craft beer tasting trays, burgers for just R60, R35 happy hour pints

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Glamorous 5-star suites and dining in a 1920s grand home

HintHunt Mission RoomSecret spots + things to do in the ...

Secret forest cafés, wine bars behind bookshelves & more

DAY TIIME EXTRAAFamily eatery with buffet brunch on ...

Brunch is served until 2pm, and kids under 10 eat for half price

SITTING AT BARWhere to go for a long Saturday ...

Breakfast buffet every Saturday with shisha and sport upstairs

Masque Theatre 2026Broadway brilliance on Cape Town’s ...

Fast-paced musical full of disguises, drama and delightful chaos

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