AYA AFRICA YOUTH AND FATHERS DAY

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” – Nelson Mandela

On 16 June 1976, around 20 000 black pupils from different schools around Soweto protested against the introduction of Afrikaans as the language of instruction. This policy was forced on them and they felt that their right to be taught in the language of their choice was violated. Clashes between the black pupils and the apartheid era police ensued. Approximately 176 lives were lost. Below is a photograph of Hector Pieterson who was shot dead by the apartheid era police. He was carried by Mbuyisa Makhubo and Hector’s sister Antoinette Sithole ran alongside them.The photograph was taken by Sam Nzima and it  symbolised the Soweto Uprising of 1976. 

The Class of 1976 went through so much violence in order for black children to get quality education and to be taught in the language of their choice. It is important for the youth of today to remember the blood that was shed for their rights and not to take it for granted. Youth Day should be a  day of remembrance for those fallen lives. Let’s do our bit to support young creatives, entrepreneurs and SMEs because they are indispensable for the future we want. 

AYA Africa also would like to remember the role fathers and father figures play in our society as we celebrate Father’s Day. We are thankful for them being our protectors, providers, disciplinarians, playmates, and teachers raising us to be the people we are today.