Going back to that day in 1976

This year marks the 39th anniversary of the Soweto Uprisings, now known as Youth Day on June 16.

Here’s a quick recap:

Back in 1974, schools with black pupils were forced to use Afrikaans and English as the only language of instruction.

Black pupils were not allowed to receive an education in their own mother tongue, yet they refused to learn in Afrikaans.

On June 16, 1976 thousands of pupils from different Sowetan high schools protested against the system, but chaos followed with police shooting at the group and the protesters throwing stones.

Hector Pieterson, a 1 3-year-old boy, was one of the first children to be shot and died.

Pieterson became the symbol of Youth Day along with the photo by Sam Nzima, who captured the moment when Pieterson was carried by Mbuyisa Makhubo and his sister Antoinette Sithole.

Today pupils can receive an education in their mother tongue and the language of their choice.