Why did school children protest in Soweto?

Why did school children protest in Soweto?

Students from numerous Sowetan schools began to protest in the streets of Soweto in response to the introduction of Afrikaans as the medium of instruction in local 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.

What were the students of Soweto protesting against on 16 June 1976?

On 16 June 1976, an estimated 20,000 children from schools in the township of Soweto in Johannesburg, took to the streets to protest the introduction of Afrikaans as a language of instruction in local schools. Afrikaans was seen by many as the language of the oppressor.

What was the main cause of Soweto uprising in 1976?

The introduction of Afrikaans alongside English as a medium of instruction is considered the immediate cause of the Soweto uprising, but there are a various factors behind the 1976 student unrest. These factors can certainly be traced back to the Bantu Education Act introduced by the Apartheid government in 1953.

What happened on 16 June youth?

On 16 June 1976 more than 20 000 pupils from Soweto began a protest march. In the wake of clashes with the police, and the violence that ensued during the next few weeks, approximately 700 hundred people, many of them youths, were killed and property destroyed.

Why is June 16th so important?

Youth Day commemorates the Soweto Uprising, which took place on 16 June 1976, where thousands of students were ambushed by the apartheid regime. On Youth Day, South Africans pay tribute to the lives of these students and recognises the role of the youth in the liberation of South Africa from the apartheid regime.

Who was the leader of the 1976 uprising in Soweto?

Tsietsi Mashinini (1957 – ) Awarded for: For his bravery and leadership of the Soweto Student Uprising of 16 June 1976.

How did black Consciousness influenced the students of Soweto?

The Black Consciousness Movement heavily supported the protests against the policies of the apartheid regime which led to the Soweto uprising in June 1976. The protests began when it was decreed that black students be forced to learn Afrikaans, and that many secondary school classes were to be taught in that language.

What was the government response to the Soweto uprising?

The government reacted with drastic repression including additional security legislation and the detention of activists without trial. Steve Biko died in custody in 1977 and 17 black organizations were banned. About 4 000 black youths fled the country, giving MK* a boost in the number of guerilla trainees in ANC camps.

Which day is celebrated on 16th June?

When and Why World Earth Day is celebrated? The Mughal Emperor Jahangir ordered to be tortured and sentenced to death to the fifth Sikh Guru Arjan Dev on 16 June, 1606. Accordingly, on 16 June every year, the Sikhs commemorate the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev.