As the Country commemorates 46th years of Soweto uprising, we remember that it was a day of demonstrations and protests led by black school children, that began on the morning of 16 June 1976. We remember that students from various schools began to protest in the streets of Soweto in response to the introduction of Afrikaans as the medium of instruction in black schools. It is estimated that 20,000 students took part in the protests. They were met with fierce police brutality and many were shot and killed.

The National Development Plan (NDP) emphasizes the importance of education, training, and innovation as being the core to the development of this Country. It highlights that these are key drivers to eradicate poverty and curb inequality. These days however, students are faced
with different challenges compared to those of 1976, they are faced with new challenges such as funding and a high number of unemployed youth graduates.  

Consequently, the Free State Provincial Office will be hosting a dialogue with students of institutions of higher learning. The dialogue will be held in collaboration with the University of the Free State, both Campuses of Central University of Technology (Bloemfontein and Welkom), Motheo and Goldfield Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges, and the Centre for Human Rights at the University of the Free State.

Date: 17 June 2022
Venue: Central University of Technology: ZR Mahabane Building
Time: 10h00

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For further information contact - SAHRC Free State Provincial Manager, Mr Thabang Kheswa - 051 447 1130 / 076 038 4507 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Advocacy Officer, Mr Lecholo Nkabiti - 081 349 7860 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.