16/06/2026
Today, we remember the young people of 1976 who stood up for the right to learn, to be heard, and to dream of a better future.
As we mark 50 years since the Soweto Uprising, we pause to honour the courage of children like Hector Pieterson, whose name became a symbol of sacrifice, resilience, and hope.
For this Youth Day, four boys from Port Nolloth wrote a letter to Hector. Through their words, they reflect on the freedoms and opportunities they enjoy today, while remembering the young people who helped make those opportunities possible.
May we never take our freedom for granted. May we continue to invest in our youth, encourage their dreams, and empower them to become the leaders, teachers, doctors, entrepreneurs, and changemakers of tomorrow.
To every young person in South Africa: your voice matters, your dreams matter, and your future matters.
Happy Youth Day, South Africa. 🇿🇦