Itirele Zenzele Comprehensive High School reflects on the legacy of 1976 during Youth Day commemoration
Learners and graduates gathered at the Youth Centre in Diepsloot to honour the bravery of the 1976 generation while reflecting on the challenges and opportunities facing young people today.
Itirele Zenzele Comprehensive High School, in partnership with Diepsloot Library, hosted a Youth Day commemorative event at the youth centre, bringing together current learners and graduates from the classes of 2010 to 2026.
Learners were easily recognised in their school uniforms, while graduates attended the event wearing their graduation regalia.
According to Mxhego Gcobani, a history teacher at the school, the inspiration behind organising the event was to extend learners’ knowledge, while creating an opportunity for them to showcase what they have been learning in class.
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“On a broader basis, it’s also to enlighten the other learners to the contents of the bravery displayed by the youth of 1976, led by Tsietsi Mashinini and other young leaders.”
The event highlighted the deep connection between the struggles of the 1976 generation and the challenges facing young people today.
“The 1976 youth were taught an inferior education, which gave them servant skills rather than ownership. Sadly, the education curriculum hasn’t changed much from then, so these struggles are still there.
“Township schools are still overcrowded, similar to 1976. The system hasn’t changed much for the black kids. Liberation is far-fetched. Neo-liberalism remains the status quo.”
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As part of the programme, learners performed a heartfelt play portraying the events of June 16, 1976. The performance brought the history of the Soweto uprising to life and encouraged learners to reflect on the sacrifices made by the youth who fought against an unjust education system.
The play also sparked discussions about the realities facing young people today and whether they feel hopeful about their future.
For some learners, the future appears uncertain. Zamokuhle Dube said that as young as she is, she already has no hope for her future.
“I don’t feel hopeful at all, because even if we have access to [National Student Financial Aid Scheme] NSFAS, you still find corrupt politicians who will want a hand on money that is meant to help the underprivileged.”
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Kagiso Mudabatshindi has similar concerns. “The corruption in our country really decreases the chances of one being hopeful for the future, but I hope it changes in the coming years.”
Despite these concerns, others believe there are reasons to remain optimistic. Thandiwe Dube had a different point of view from her fellow schoolmates, bringing positivity into the discussion.
“I am hopeful for my future because we have freedom now. We are no longer oppressed. We can access education for free now and have NSFAS to help us when going to tertiary. Back then, all of that was not there.”
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