The Future is Ours

Each year in June, South Africa celebrates and commemorates the role played by the youth in the struggle for freedom.

On June 16, 1976, the Soweto Uprising took place. On this day, the youth of Soweto took charge and were determined to take action against the imposition of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction. Youth Day is therefore both a sombre day and a day of celebration. We recognise their passion, their determination and their fearlessness in taking on the apartheid state and demanding a better future for themselves.

However, the cost of such action was high. Hundreds of young people were killed, thousands were injured and countless were detained without trial. June 16 then is also a day to pause, and remember the sacrifices that the youth made so that today we can be free.

This virtual exhibition was created alongside an exhibition kit of the same title, which is now available on loan from SAHA.