Today, the African National Congress (ANC) said June 16 is a solemn
and significant day in our national calendar as the country remember and honour the students who, on June 16, 1976, stood up against the apartheid regime’s oppressive policies in Soweto.
In a statement the ANC said their courage and sacrifice sparked a pivotal movement in our struggle for freedom and justice.
The Soweto Uprising began as a peaceful protest by thousands of black students opposing the compulsory use of Afrikaans which was seen as the language of the oppressor.
Amongst the students was a 13-year-old Hector Pieterson, whose photograph, taken as he was being carried by a fellow student, became an iconic image symbolizing the brutality of apartheid and the innocence of its victims.
“We honour the leaders of the 1976 generation in furtherance of the Freedom Charter, which aims to open the doors to learning and culture, eradicate mud schools and pit latrines, and promote the dignity of learners through the Basic Education Laws Amendments Act,”the party said.
Additionally the party highlighted thay the this includes transforming higher education to meet the country’s human capital needs, ensuring access through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), creating decent jobs, providing universal access to health through the National Health Insurance Act, and fighting poverty through the Basic Income Grant