Gauteng Provincial Chairperson of Economic Freedom Fighters, Nkululeko Dunga addressed scores of EFF members and students at the 1976 Uprising lecture day hosted at Tshwane University of Technology.
This year marks 47 years since the uprising where thousands of youth demonstrated, protested against racial inequality and stood up against the Bantu education system.
Dunga said the 16th of June is a prominent date in the history of South Africa. As a watershed moment in the resistance against apartheid, it marks the 1976 student uprising.
“A day that rendered nepotism and provided quality education to students of color. Black people demanded recognition of their languages and cultures.” Said Dunga.
Dunga also praised those who were closely associated with books. As a result, they acquire the knowledge and wisdom to lead in all types of departments and walks of life. “Most importantly, you are the future of this country” added Nkululeko.
“During that time, students also stood up against the Apartheid government. South African Student Organisations were formed from black consciousness movements.”
The day is now observed annually as Youth Day, commemorating the uprising across South Africa. It is today the youth celebrate their lives and recognise the challenges they face every day.
As a result, they acquire the knowledge and wisdom to lead in all types of departments and walks of life.
The police and army responded to the demonstrations with tear gas and bullets, which led to the deaths of between 400 and 700 people, many of them children.
” June 16 Uprising is similar to all the protests in Tshwane where rubber bullets, tear gas, and tires are used to raise concerns.
“Let us be the Hector Peterson of tomorrow by defending our country,” concluded Dunga.
