Salutations
Program Director,
Ward Councillor Lefa,
Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Dada Morero,
Acting Premier of Gauteng Province, MEC Tasneem Motara,
Members of the Executive Council,
Members of the Mayoral Committee,
June 16 family members, distinguished guests, and fellow combatants.
Opening Acknowledgments
Executive Mayor, let me start by thanking the City of Johannesburg for its unwavering commitment to commemorating this day every year since its inception. We must also extend our gratitude to the staff whose dedication ensures that this important event takes place. It is essential that they continue to foster an understanding of the significance of this day for future generations.
Acting Premier of Gauteng Province, MEC Tasneem Motara, and Executive Mayor: Today, we gather to commemorate a pivotal moment in our nation’s history—the 49th anniversary of the June 16, 1976, Soweto Uprising.
On this day, we pay tribute to the courageous young people who took to the streets, risking their lives to challenge the oppressive apartheid regime and its unjust policies. Their bravery and determination ignited a flame of resistance that ultimately led to the dismantling of apartheid and the birth of a new South Africa.
The Legacy of Youth Activism
The Each One Teach One Foundation (EOTOF), established by former members and activists of the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) from Soweto who served between 1979 and 1990, stands as a testament to the spirit of those brave young souls. As a foundation, we honor their legacy by championing education as the cornerstone of true liberty.
We believe that an educated society is essential for overcoming the challenges of poverty and hunger. A society that neglects the education of its youth not only jeopardizes its own future but also poses a threat to global progress.
“Free, Dynamic, and Compulsory Education for All” is not just a slogan—it is a fundamental right that we must uphold.
The imposition of Afrikaans as the medium of instruction in schools was not merely an educational policy; it was a symbol of systemic oppression that sought to deny our youth their right to learn in their mother tongue and to access quality education. The students of Soweto, fueled by a desire for justice and equality, stood up against this injustice. Their actions that day were a clarion call for freedom, inspiring a nationwide movement that rallied people from all walks of life to join the struggle for liberation.
A Continuing Call to Action
As we reflect on this anniversary, we are reminded of the enduring power of youth activism. The legacy of the Soweto Uprising is not just a historical event; it is a call to action for current and future generations. It urges us to continue advocating for our rights and the rights of others, to challenge inequality, and to fight for a society where education is accessible to all.
In this spirit, we remain steadfast in our mission to transform society. We are dedicated to uniting Africans, combating racial discrimination, and striving for fundamental political, social, and economic change in South Africa. Our journey is far from over, and we recognize that empowering our youth is paramount. Their voices must be amplified in the ongoing quest for a just and equitable society.
As we honor the legacy of June 16, 1976, let us reaffirm our commitment to education, activism, and the relentless pursuit of justice.
Returning to the Basics
Executive Mayor, we must return to the basics of strengthening community-based structures. We must work intentionally through:
- School Governing Bodies (SGBs) in our schools.
- Health Committees in our various healthcare facilities.
- Sports and Arts Committees to oversee and reclaim our sports facilities.
- Community Policing Forums (CPFs) in all our neighborhoods.
Together, we can build a brighter future for all—a future where every young person has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the betterment of our society.
Closing
Each One Teach One