What happened on Youth Day?

The number of people killed in the uprising is usually given as 176, but estimates of up to 700 have been made. In remembrance of these events, 16 June is now a public holiday in South Africa, named Youth Day….

Why do we celebrate Youth Day on 16 June in South Africa?

We celebrate Youth Day to commemorate the Soweto Uprising of 16 June 1976. A day that began as a peaceful demonstration by thousands of students against apartheid education policies, resulted in the massacre of these school children by the apartheid police.

What happened on the 16 of June 1976?

Known as the Soweto uprising, an estimated 20,000 students took part in the protests. The police fired teargas and live ammunition on demonstrating students. The official count is that 176 protesters were killed, but actual estimates are much higher.

Who died on 16 June?

Died On June 16th. Discover the most famous people who died on June 16. The list includes people like Wernher Von Braun, Prafulla Chandra Ray, Chittaranjan Das, Charles Sturt, John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough.

What is June 16 all about in South Africa?

June 16 marks the commemoration of National Youth Day in South Africa. This is the day the country reflects on the massacre of school children during the Soweto Uprising of 1976. The response of the organisations in exile can be understood in the context of the events that took place on the day.

When was June 16th first celebrated?

In 1995, the South African Government officially declared 16 June a national public holiday, in recognition of the sacrifices and contributions of the youth in the struggle against apartheid. Ever since, Youth Day is commemorated every year in South Africa.

What happened on 16 June and subsequent days with regard to the events organized by the students against the policy of apartheid?

On 16 June 1976 between 3000 and 10 000 students mobilized by the South African Students Movement’s Action Committee supported by the BCM marched peacefully to demonstrate and protest against the government’s directive. This resulted in a widespread revolt that turned into an uprising against the government.

What happened on the 16th of June 1976?

On June 16 1976, more than 20,000 African students skipped school. They met at Soweto’s Orlando stadium to protest against the White government’s education laws that oppressing them (African students). Many Black children lost their lives in the demonstrations. What is the history of Youth Day?

Why is June 16 Youth Day celebrated?

In 1995, the newly-elected democratic government declared that June 16 would be Youth Day – to serve as a reminder of the progress our country has made regarding equality and equal opportunity for all youth. Soweto has come a long way since the uprising of 1976.

Do You Remember the youth of 1976?

We remember the youth of 1976 and what transpired on the day. Youth Day, as it is popularly known, is a day in which South Africans honour the youth that was ambushed by the apartheid regime police in Soweto on 16 June 1976. On the day over 500 youths were killed. 16 June 1976

What happened on 16 June in South Africa?

By 16 June, their rebellion spread to other schools in Soweto. Incidentally, the student-organised mass rally on this date turned violent, as the police responded with bullets to stones thrown by the angry students. Many students were shot.