Tsietsi Mashinini

16 June 1976: ‘This is our day’

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.

Recollections of 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.

Youth urged to ‘take up today’s freedom challenges’

While the youth of 1976 fought against apartheid, young South Africans of today should take up the fight against apathy, unemployment and HIV/Aids, Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa said at the launch of Youth Month in Soweto on Monday.

Journey to understanding SA’s departed heroes

Albertina Sisulu, South Africa's mother of the nation, is buried beside her beloved husband Walter in the Newclare cemetery in Johannesburg. Photo: City of...

Soweto Theatre speaks in colour

The R150-million Soweto Theatre will do more than boost tourism and the performing arts in South Africa's famous township. It forms part of a multi-million rand "culture-led" urban regeneration project in the area, and in pure visual terms has made an immediate impact on its surroundings.

Remembering Soweto’s class of ’76

A memorial and a youth centre with a difference are being built near the school in Soweto where students set off on the morning of 16 June 1976, a day that changed the course of South Africa's history, to protest against apartheid and its "Bantu education" system.

On the trail of the 16 June ’76 students

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.

South Africa honours national heroes

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.