Sam Nzima

There are a significant number of monuments to peace and freedom scattered across South Africa – not surprising given its long history of struggle against oppression. With April marking the 22nd anniversary of South Africa’s freedom, we will showcase 22 monuments that pay homage to those who made this country great.

It is a day violently etched on the South African collective conscience. Commemorated over 30 years later as Youth Day, an official holiday, it is the day that honours the deaths of hundreds of Soweto schoolchildren, a day that changed the course of the country's history: 16 June 1976.

A planned, peaceful protest in Soweto against Afrikaans as the teaching medium in schools on 16 June 1976 became one of the most pivotal days in South Africa's history. After the police opened fire on the mainly child protestors, the march quickly changed from peaceful to chaotic. Those who were there shared their memories.

The Arts and Culture Trust Awards, now in their 20th year, recognise young South African artists with promising futures. This year's winners, announced on Wednesday, are Jade Bowers for theatre, Thabo Makhethe-Kwinana for design, Bevan de Wet for visual art, and Nomfundo Xaluva for music.

The Arts and Culture Trust Awards, now in their 20th year, recognise young South African artists with promising futures. This year's winners, announced on Wednesday, are Jade Bowers for theatre, Thabo Makhethe-Kwinana for design, Bevan de Wet for visual art, and Nomfundo Xaluva for music.

Ahead of Youth Month 2012, veteran photojournalist Sam Nzima tells young South Africans to assume the strength and courage of their predecessors.
• Playing a part to give youth a future

Visitors can relive South Africa's turbulent history by walking the route that protesting Soweto school students took on 16 June 1976 - the day that marked the beginning of the end for the apartheid regime. The entire path has been declared a heritage trail.

June is celebrated as Youth Month in South Africa, paying tribute to the school pupils and ordinary citizens who lost their lives during the 16 June 1976 uprisings in Soweto. This year marks the 35^th anniversary of that fateful day.
• Youth month marked in SA

President Jacob Zuma bestowed national orders, the country's highest civilian honour, on 33 South Africans and four foreigners on Wednesday for outstanding achievements and contributions to freedom and development in South Africa.