The Ukrainian Association of South Africa (UAZA) has honored the memory of the 1976 Soweto Uprising, drawing powerful parallels between the bravery of South African students then and the sacrifices of Ukrainian youth today amid Russia’s full-scale invasion.
On June 16, South Africa marks Youth Day in remembrance of the 1976 protest in Soweto, when thousands of unarmed schoolchildren took to the streets in a peaceful demonstration against the apartheid regime.
They were protesting the forced use of Afrikaans — the language of the white minority — in Black schools, which symbolized broader systemic oppression. The protest was met with brutal violence from the police, resulting in many deaths.
“The Ukrainian Association of South Africa is honoring this day and recognises the pivotal role that youth continue to play in shaping the future of their nations,” the Association said in a statement.
Just like the courageous students of 1976, Ukrainian youth today are making unimaginable sacrifices to defend their country, protect human dignity, and secure a free future for generations to come.
“Classrooms turned into bomb shelters and battlefields. Fear changed its course, and bravery took control,” the statement said.
Despite being separated by continents and histories, South African and Ukrainian youth are united by a shared spirit of resistance, resilience, and hope.
“On this day of remembrance and reflection, we stand united in our belief that the courage of youth can — and will — change the world,” UAZA said.
Cover: Shutterstock
Latest news
#DiasporaNews
