Let us never forget the youth of the 1976 uprisings
ON THE 44th anniversary of the inspirational June 16, 1976, student uprising, let us honour the day and its young heroes and never lose sight of the fact that it is their fearless actions that have a direct bearing on our 26-year old nascent democracy.
The uprising rejuvenated the anti-apartheid struggle after a lull in the 1960s when the incarceration of political leaders such as PAC’S Robert Sobukwe and the ANC’S Nelson Mandela left a leadership vacuum for the oppressed.
Also, a general wide sweep of thousands of young political activists by the apartheid security apparatus, and the killing of leaders such as Black Consciousness Movement leader Steve Biko in 1977 at the hands of the security police, brought about fear and despondency among the black majority.
The catalyst for the uprisings that erupted in all townships of this country was the introduction of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction in black schools.
From the youth of 1976, were born brave heroes of the struggle who fearlessly, for the benefit of all South Africans, eventually compelled the apartheid machinery and forced its leaders to the negotiation table, about a decade later.
Yes, today’s youth have their own struggles set out for them, including economic freedom and job opportunities.
But, we must never lose sight of the young heroes such as Solomon Mahlangu, Ashley Kriel, Barney Molokoane, Nokuthula Simelane and many others who courageously sacrificed their lives, so that, you and I can live in a democracy.
Let us salute our brave heroes and heroines, and take lessons from them on how discipline, generosity and selflessness are the tools required for any movement for a greater cause to gain momentum and to endure into posterity.
We remember them today as we all join in another fight for our survival. Our struggle to contain the spread of Covid-19.
Let us wear our masks, keep social distance, wash and sanitise our hands to help curb the spread of the virus. It is only through discipline and working together that we can triumph over Covid-19.
Just like the class of 1976, we can only do this if we set our hearts and minds to it.