On June 16th South Africans celebrated Youth Day. 36 years to the day that students in Soweto marched to protest against the use of Afrikaans as a teaching medium in their schools. The March turned violent and as police fired live rounds on the students, the world was given a glimpse of how the Apartheid system of governance was affecting its people.
To celebrate the sacrifice of those students, Youth around the country attended a number of different events or activities. Here’s what we did:

Annual wreath laying ceremony at the Hector Pieterson Memorial in Soweto, Johannesburg

 
Picture: Kyle Zeeman

Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane and City of Johannesburg acting mayor, Rehana Moosajee, attended the annual ceremony in Orlando, Soweto. The ceremony was accompanied by the presenting of the ANC centennial flame by the South African Military, addresses by numerous delegates and performances by several choirs. The ceremony concluded with the premier, acting executive mayor and family of the June 16 foundation laying wreath at the memorial.
Spotted: Kyle Zeeman

Springboks V Lions rugby game at Ellis Park, Johannesburg

 
Picture: Gina Robb

The South African Rugby team, the Springboks, took on England at Ellis Park. The atmosphere created by both sets of fans ensured that the match was an unforgettable celebration of Youth Day.
Spotted: Gina Robb

Rock Climbing


Picture: Suzi Broom

What better way to understand the physical struggle of Youth Day than to go climb a giant rock. The reward of the ascent can help all youth better understand the joy in achieving their goals.
Spotted : Suzi Broom


 Studying English

 
 
Picture:Edupic.com

The best way to spend Youth Day is to educate oneself. That’s why some students spent the day studying for exams.
Spotted: Matt Cryer

A selection of other Youth Day activities around the Country

 Freedom fest
The Christian Family Church International hosted a number of Christian bands, musicians and dancers in a festival to celebrate youth and Christianity.

 Official Youth Day celebrations in Mofolo Park, Soweto.
The official Johannesburg Youth Day celebrations involved a number of activities from addresses by the Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane and a moment of silence, to poetry reading and cultural performances.

 Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg South
The Apartheid museum had no special activities to mark Youth day but did have a number of guests from around the country visit to learn more about the freedom struggle and the June 16th uprisings role in it

 Seal trust swim in Camps Bay, Cape Town
The SEAL Open Water Swimming Development Trust held an early morning youth swim in the cold Atlantic sea to raise funds for the education of disadvantaged youth.

 Youth Day revolution with LESEDI in Johannesburg East
Youth orientated charity, LESEDI, hosted a conference with key speakers and information on youth education and career opportunities.

 Youth Day gospel Concert in Florida, Johannesburg West
Youth of numerous denominations had a gospel concert and talent show to highlight the talent that Youth in South Africa Possess.

 Official Youth Day celebrations in Kwazakhele, Eastern Cape
Minister Collins Chabane took over the official national youth day celebration. His address was accompanied by a moments silence for those who passed in the uprising and addresses by a number of Government and June 16 foundation Dignitaries.
 
Exhibitions Galore Youth Fair in Port Elizabeth
The exhibition was governments biggest career guidance and employment opportunity fair on Youth day and hoped to provide the youth in Port Elizabeth with information to further educational and employment opportunities.

What did you do to celebrate Youth Day?
Tell us below OR send us a tweet  @gem_media.