5 Facts About Youth Day, South Africa

When is Youth Day 2024: It’s historically remembered on June 16th. Because 2024 is a leap year and both Father’s day and Youth Day fall on the same day as a result, Youth Day’s public holiday in 2024 will be Monday, 17th June.

What is Youth Day in South Africa all about?

Youth Day South Africa happens every year on June 16. Why do South Africans celebrate Youth Day? This public holiday is an honour to Mzansi’s young people who opposed the apartheid regime and helped our country, South Africa attain independence. Colonialists killed and jailed too many Black young people during the 1976 Soweto Uprising.

What happened on 16 June Youth Day? On June 16 ,1976, more than 20,000 African students skipped school that specific day. They all met at Soweto’s Orlando stadium to protest against the White government’s education laws that had been oppressing them ( Black students). Sadly, many Black young adults lost their lives in the protest.

Top 5 facts about Youth Day in South Africa

There are countries worldwide that celebrate Youth Day. However, Mzansi’s June 16 holiday is unique because of what it symbolizes to us. It inspires our South Africa government to enforce strict human rights laws that prohibit racism, oppression, and discrimination.

1. ANC supporters at first called it Soweto Day but the government changed it to Youth Day during Nelson Mandela’s regime.

2. Nelson Mandela declared Youth Day an official public holiday in 1994.

3. Hector Pieterson, the schoolboy that the police killed in the Soweto Uprising protests that day, symbolizes the consequences of oppression around the world. Hector Pieterson Memorial Museum is in Orlando West in Soweto.

4. Mzansi’s states used to celebrate Youth Day on different days. The government made the 16th of June the official Youth Day date, and the UN made the 12th of August the International Youth Day.

5. 16 June 2022 is Soweto Uprisings’ 46th anniversary since the incident happened. The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) yearly acknowledges the day through its Youth Action for Economic Freedom in Our Lifetime program.

We need to appreciate Youth Day in South Africa by embracing the sacrifice and for those who died for this country. To build a non-racial society and support young adults because South Africa needs these changes to grow.

5 Things to do on Youth Day in South Africa:

1. Visit the Hector Pieterson memorial and museum:

Hector Pieterson was the subject of a powerful photograph taken by Sam Nzima. Pieterson was only 12 years old when he was shot and killed by police during the violent Soweto uprising. By visiting the Hector Pieterson memorial and museum, you’ll be able to see photographs, testimonies and footage of the uprising and protests during that time.

Address: 8287 Khumalo Rd, Orlando West, Johannesburg, 1804

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2. Celebrate at the V&A Waterfront 2024:

There are many things happening at the V&A Waterfront this Youth Day.

Check out the restaurants at the Waterfront that have specials by using the FOMO App for FREE:

Waterfront Charters | Coastal Motor Cruise for 2

Price: R840.00 R544.00

Waterfront Charters motor vessels take you from the historic V &A Waterfront area out to sea and cruises along the Atlantic coastline to Green Point Lighthouse and back to harbour. With spectacular mountain and city views, the cruise gives a perfect ocean view of Cape Town’s splendours. This One Hour Cruise operates daily with regular departures from Quay 5. A popular option with our Cruise and Dine lunch package, as well as many travel passes and Tour Operators. The weather option is a cruise into the International Harbour; when cruising the ocean is unpleasant, you will get a sailor’s view of our wonderful harbour with Table Mountain’s imposing presence still a thrilling factor. With a cocktail bar and great service, this is a trip not to be missed.

Departure Times

• 11:30 (am)
• 14:30 (pm)

3. Scooter Around to see your city

Honest Travel Experience | E-Scooter City Tour for 2

Price: R1,250.00 R759.00

Discover and explore your city in the most unique on the back of a scooter with an E-scooter tour with Honest Travel Experiences. These experiences focus on different precincts and suburbs in Johannesburg or Cape Town with the idea to give you a wider understanding of the city.

Included:

• E-scooter,
• Tour guide,
• 1 x Drink

4. Visit the Iziko Museum for free

Every year, on 16 June select Iziko Museums in Cape Town are free to the public from 10am to 2pm. Browse fascinating South African art and artifacts. Reflect on Youth Day by exploring South Africa’s rich heritage at the Iziko Museums. On 16 June, select museums in Cape Town offer free admission from 10:00 to 14:00. Delve into captivating South African art and artifacts that highlight the nation’s diverse history and cultural achievements. This educational outing provides a meaningful way to honour the legacy of the 1976 Soweto Uprising by appreciating the progress and cultural richness of South Africa. Bring family and friends for an enriching experience that connects past and present. See More Here.

See more activities and things to do on Youth Day in your city here

5. Interlace Uplift – A Youth Day Celebration

Interlace Uplift is a music and spoken word event aimed at uplifting young performers and promoting unity through the arts. Stories rooted in South African heritage will be shared, focusing on the impact of youth collectives.

Purpose: To provide mentorship, uplift young artists, and celebrate the spirit of unity and resilience.

Type of Event: Music and Spoken Word Performance

Location: The Masque Theatre, 37 Main Rd, Muizenberg, Cape Town

Date and Time: 16 June 2024, 18:00 – 20:20

More Information: Interlace Uplift – A Youth Day Celebration