SOWETO, SOUTH AFRICA – As South Africa prepares to mark the historic 50th anniversary of the June 16 Uprising, the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation (AKF) will bridge the gap between history and the present by launching the #YouthLivesMatter campaign on Friday 5 June 2026.
The campaign is not merely a commemoration of the past, but a strategic platform for the youth of 2026 to confront the modern-day “Bantu Education” equivalents: record-high unemployment, social inequality, and the growing threat of digital misinformation.
From Remembrance to Mobilisation
The launch will follow a symbolic journey through Soweto, beginning with a moment of reflection at the graves of Hector Pieterson and Tsietsi Mashinini. The programme will culminate at Morris Isaacson High School, the birthplace of the 1976 march, where the campaign will be officially inaugurated in the very classroom once occupied by Mashinini.
“The youth of 1976 proved that silence is not an option when the future is at stake,” says Obakeng Khatshe, the Youth leadership and activism programme manager at the AKF. “Today, we don’t just honour their courage with flowers; we honour it by creating a space where this generation can demand the dignity and economic inclusion they were promised. #YouthLivesMatter is about moving from the archives to the frontlines of social change.”
Addressing the Challenges of 2026
While the laws of 1976 have changed, the AKF recognises that the struggle for a dignfied life continues. The #YouthLivesMatter campaign focuses on:
- Economic Justice: Fighting the world’s highest youth unemployment rates.
- Social Safety: Combatting gender-based violence and substance abuse.
- Digital Literacy: Empowering youth to navigate online hate and misinformation.
- Active Citizenship: Promoting ethical leadership and constitutional values.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Friday 5 June 2026
- 09h00: Reflection & Wreath Laying – Avalon Cemetery, Soweto
- 11h00: Official Campaign Launch – Morris Isaacson High School, Soweto
Members of the media are invited to attend. Interview opportunities with AKF leadership and youth activists will be available on-site. RSVP HERE
ENDS
About the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation:
The Foundation aims to deepen non-racialism and promote the values of the South African Constitution. It continues the legacy of anti-apartheid activist Ahmed Kathrada by advocating for ethical leadership and social justice.
Media Enquiries:
Anele Gcwabe
Communications Manager
083 278 8832
anele@kathradafoundation.org
