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Hector Peterson was shot and killed on June 16, 1976
The Seth Mazibuko Foundation has officially launched the 50th Commemoration of the June 16th uprising.
The launch was hosted at the Hector Peterson Memorial, in Soweto. This is where the learners who marched against Afrikaans as a medium of instruction, were confronted by police armoured vehicles and bullets.
[WATCH] As we mark June 16, we honour the unsung heroes of the 1976 uprising, young lives lost and stories untold. Seth Mazibuko, former student leader, reflects on the legacy. pic.twitter.com/ej9LwvqYXT
— SABC News (@SABCNews) June 15, 2025
Hector Peterson was shot and killed on the fateful day.
The launch of the 50th commemoration under the theme, “Finishing What Was Started” was attended by struggle stalwarts, and activists. Event organiser Seth Mazibuko says South Africa has many challenges today and the youth need the assistance of the elderly to tackle them.
[WATCH] Human rights activist Seth Mazibuko reflects on the meaning of Freedom Day, the country’s historic struggles, and the importance of upholding the founding democratic ideals. pic.twitter.com/dVvHryunkE
— SABC News (@SABCNews) April 27, 2025
“The exciting moment we are entering in this 50th anniversary is that, as the older generation, we will be passing the torch to the young generation and saying to them: you will have us behind you. We will support you. Please, let’s hold hands and move into the next 50 plus one, 50 plus two, 50 plus three. The most critical part for this year is to say: let’s push and pull our young people to the front, and us, as the elderly, stand beside them and behind them in support,” says Mazibuko.
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