Fifty years after the 1976 Youth Uprising, the question facing South Africa is not only how to remember the courage of that generation, but how to ensure today’s young people have the tools to create change of their own.

That was the message from AWARE.org CEO Mokebe Thulo during a Youth Day event held at the University of Johannesburg on June 16, where discussions focused on youth empowerment, skills development and the opportunities available to the next generation.

Thulo said one of the greatest lessons from 1976 is that young people are not passive observers of history but active participants in shaping society.

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The learners who marched in 1976 demonstrated that young people can influence the direction of a country through courage, determination and collective action. Today, he said, young South Africans face different challenges but still can drive meaningful change.

Through AWARE.org’s Makers of Tomorrow programme, Thulo said the focus is on helping young people develop leadership skills, confidence and responsible decision-making abilities.

He added that South Africa’s youth are entering a world filled with new possibilities, particularly in areas such as technology, entrepreneurship, renewable energy and creative industries.

However, Thulo said opportunity must be matched with access. Many young people continue to face barriers, including unemployment, inequality and limited pathways into further education and work.

She said stronger partnerships between government, schools, communities and the private sector are needed to create more opportunities through bursaries, internships, learnerships and practical workplace experience. Entrepreneurship also remains an important avenue for young people, but Thulo said aspiring business owners need more than good ideas.

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Access to funding, mentorship, business networks and practical support are essential if young entrepreneurs are to turn ideas into sustainable ventures. She also highlighted the importance of digital skills in preparing young people for a changing economy.

While technology skills are increasingly important across industries, Thulo said young people must also develop critical thinking, communication, adaptability and problem-solving abilities.

Another key focus of the discussion was the need to protect young people’s potential by addressing challenges such as substance abuse and underage drinking. For Thulo, the legacy of 1976 remains relevant because it reminds South Africans that young people have always had the ability to influence change.

The challenge now is ensuring they have the knowledge, skills and opportunities to build the future they want.

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