'Born Free' journalists share their hopes for SA's future

A HISTORIC and meaningful day is ahead of us: June 16th, this day is celebrated annually to remember the Soweto Uprising march when the youth of 1976 fought for equality, justice and freedom against the Bantu education system.

- KAMOGELO MAKHURA

This day is not only about celebrating the youth of South Africa but remembering the struggles that were endured by black learners who took on the apartheid regime.

As a former history student, learning about the meaning behind this public holiday would always leave me with mixed feelings.

Every chapter, every paragraph and sentence reading and learning about police brutality, the lives lost and the protests that occurred all because the voices of the youth in our country fell on deaf ears.

What does June 16 mean to me?

Now, as we approach the 49th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising, this holiday reminds me of the struggles that our grandparents and great grandparents faced and fought for.

I am constantly reminded annually that I have a voice, more especially as a black woman in South Africa. I had the privilege to go to school and get not only free education, but be taught in an environment that caters to the needs of learners.