From Soweto to today: the legacy and future of South African activism

By Precious Bikitsha | June 2024

In June, South Africa commemorates Youth Month, with a special focus on the 16 of June, the anniversary of the 1976 Soweto Uprising. This pivotal day marked a significant protest against the apartheid regime, as black students rose against the imposition of Afrikaans in schools. Tragically, the apartheid government’s violent response led to the deaths of 176 students. The legacy of this uprising continues to influence youth activism and the broader struggle for justice in South Africa.

The significance of 30 years of democracy

Youth Month in 2024 is especially significant, as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994. This milestone serves as a poignant reminder of the country’s journey from apartheid to democracy and highlights the ongoing role of young people in shaping the nation’s future. Over the past three decades, South Africa has made significant strides in dismantling the institutionalised racism of the apartheid era and building a more inclusive society. However, many challenges remain, particularly regarding youth empowerment and socio-economic development.

Government commitment to youth empowerment

The South African government has committed to accelerating opportunities for youth empowerment and skills development. This includes the development of the National Youth Policy, focusing on quality education, economic transformation, entrepreneurship, job creation, and mental and physical health promotion. With a population of 62 million, nearly a third of whom are under the age of 34,^[1] South Africa recognises the critical importance of investing in its youth.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, addressing the nation on Youth Day last year, emphasised the need to support young people’s development and efforts to define a new future for the country. He echoed the historical role of the African National Congress (ANC) Youth League, which were once led by figures like Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, and Anton Lembede, who were trailblazers in youth politics. 

Challenges and disillusionment

Reflecting on youth activism globally, the spirit of 1976’s student protests resonate, highlighting the potential of young people to challenge established norms and push for significant social change. South Africa’s own “Fallist” movements, such as #RhodesMustFall and #FeesMustFall, mirrored this global trend, challenging the post-apartheid status quo and advocating for greater socio-economic inclusion.

Despite these movements, many young South Africans today are disillusioned with politics. Unemployment rates among youth are staggeringly high, and the promise of education and economic opportunity remains unfulfilled for many. Yet, the persistence of structural unemployment has always posed a significant challenge, making it difficult for the majority to envision a bright future.

Moving forward: integrating youth into the societal framework

The concept of youth as a political force is complex. As articulated by the Situationist International in their 1966 pamphlet, “On the Poverty of Student Life,” youth revolt is often romanticised, becoming a social safety valve within the system. In South Africa, the political establishment’s focus on youth often feels superficial, reducing young people to potential voters or consumers rather than recognising their genuine potential to lead transformational change.

To truly empower young South Africans, there needs to be a shift from mere rhetoric to concrete actions that provide real opportunities for education, employment, and meaningful political participation. Initiatives like the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative and the National Youth Service program are steps in the right direction, but more needs to be done to address the systemic issues that hinder youth development.

Ultimately, the goal should not be to cast youth as a separate political subject, but to integrate their needs and aspirations into the broader societal framework. By doing so, South Africa can harness the energy and creativity of its young population, ensuring that they play a central role in the country’s ongoing journey toward equality and justice.

Youth activism has always been a potent force in South Africa, driving significant social and political change. The 1976 Soweto Uprising serves as a historical benchmark for youth-led movements, illustrating the power of collective action in the face of oppression. Today, youth activism continues to shape the socio-political landscape, but in new and evolving ways.

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^[1] IQbusiness, Youth Progress Index 2021

Precious Bikitsha is a consultant at Percept, and has a broad spectrum of academic interests extending to design thinking and global health; she possesses a relentless curiosity about the world. Precious recently completed her master’s degree, holding a Bachelor of Arts Honours in History and a Bachelor of Social Sciences with majors in Social Anthropology and Economic History. 

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