YOUTH DAY BY JESSIE TAYLOR
Youth Day
Remembering the legacy of the youth who fought for liberation
O
n 16 June each year, South Africans celebrate the contribution of youth to the liberation struggle. The day commemorates the Soweto youth uprising of 16 June 1976, which saw young people across the nation stand against the apartheid government’s education policies. More than two decades after democracy, South Africa’s youth face many challenges. This annual anniversary offers a moment to reflect on the impact youth can have on their communities, and how they have shaped South Africa’s heritage. Here are some commemorative sites youth can visit this month to be inspired to become change-makers: THE HECTOR PIETERSON MEMORIAL AND MUSEUM Hector Pieterson was a 12-yearold who was shot and killed by police during the June 16 uprising
24 | Public Sector Leaders | June 2022
in Soweto. He was the subject of a powerful photograph taken by Sam Nzima. The museum is located next to the Hector Pieterson Memorial in Soweto, in an area that has been declared a national heritage site. The museum allows visitors to see important scenes from that fateful day, and includes testimonies, pictures and audio-visuals to tell the story of the young people who protested and died 16 June 1976. THE APARTHEID MUSEUM The Apartheid Museum opened in 2001 to tell the story of the rise and fall of apartheid. The exhibits include film, photography and artefacts to illustrate the events and human stories that shaped South Africa’s history. A multi-disciplinary team of curators, filmmakers, historians and designers have assembled and organised the exhibits. Along with providing an insight into South
