Seth Mazibuko is a prominent leader of the June 16, 1976 Soweto uprising.
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A march marking Youth Day will take place on 16 June 2026 in Orlando West, retracing the steps of the 1976 student uprising to Orlando Stadium.
This is according to organisers, who say the initiative brings together veterans of the 1976 uprising and young people today to highlight what they describe as persistent socio-economic challenges.
“It is an affront to us and the youth of today that the main commemoration of the 1976 Uprising should not take place at Orlando Stadium,” says Seth Mazibuko, a 1976 veteran activist.
“Orlando is not merely a venue, but a symbol of youth courage, resistance and hope. In 1976 we planned to end our march at Orlando Stadium. The commemoration of June 16 anywhere else diminishes the sacrifices made on that fateful day to secure the freedoms we enjoy in a democratic South Africa,” he explains.
Marchers will include civil society organisations, community members, youths from Soweto and greater Johannesburg, as well as veterans of the 1976 student movement.
Organisers also raised concern over the renaming of Orlando Stadium due to sponsorship by an alcohol brand.
“It is deeply ironic that fifty years later, one of the most important symbols of the 1976 student movement has become associated with alcohol branding and commercial naming rights, while the official commemoration itself is moved away from the very location where history unfolded,” remarks Mazibuko.
Among the issues raised is the continued impact of alcohol-related harm in communities.
“In 1976 young people resisted apartheid systems that used alcohol as a tool of social control and economic extraction. Beer halls were not innocent recreational spaces,” says Nomcebo Dlamini.
“They functioned as instruments of apartheid governance – deliberately used to pacify black communities while generating municipal revenue. The youth uprisings challenged these oppressive structures,” she says.
Kamogelo Malikane says many of the challenges faced in 1976 remain today.
“Fifty years later, many of the issues that concerned the Class of '76 remain with us. Young people continue to face unemployment, poverty, violence, substance abuse, mental health challenges and limited opportunities,” says Kamogelo Malikane.
“We will be handing over an 11-point Youth Manifesto to the President. Among the issues raised will be a call for stronger substance abuse prevention programmes, accessible treatment and recovery services, and healthier communities where young people can thrive,” adds Malikane.
The march will begin on the corner of Moema and Vilikazi Street, Orlando West, at 10am and proceed to an open field at Orlando Stadium.