June 16, 1976 is a day etched in South African history. A day that turned the tide in South Africa’s liberation struggle.
Thousands of Sowetan students marched peacefully to protest the introduction of Afrikaans as a compulsory medium of instruction in schools. The march was meant to culminate in a rally in Orlando Stadium but he marchers were halted before they could get to the stadium. The police, who were caught off guard, reacted with violence, they released teargas and shot live ammunition into the crowd. Twenty three people died on the first day of protests, most of them students, up to 1000 were injured.
Fast forward to 2015-some young people have taken the baton from the class of 1976 and continue to make sacrifices in order to make South Africa a better place. This week’s Special Assignment is dedicated to the achievements of our youth through three young people who are improving the lives of others through their work.
Dr Zodwa Mbambo, a scientist and researcher at the CSIR, is determined to make malnutrition a thing of the past.
Lebang Nong is an education activist and founder of Katleho Pele Education, which he founded as a reaction to a crisis at his school when he was in Grade 11.
Blessing Ngobeni is a visual artist who left a life of crime to become an award winning artist and commentator on society.
Watch Special Assignment, Sundays, SABC 3, 20h30. Repeated Wednesdays at 23h30.
