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The Presiding Officers of Parliament, led by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Thoko Didiza, and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Ms Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, join the nation in honouring the courage and sacrifice of the young people who stood against injustice on 16 June 1976.
 
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the 16 June 1976 Soweto uprising, when young people were brutally shot, killed and arrested by the apartheid police. This event sparked strong resistance that spread across the country against the apartheid regime and remains a defining moment in our struggle for freedom. It helped lay the foundation for the democratic South Africa we continue to build, the Presiding Officers said.
 
This year's commemoration also takes place as South Africa marks 30 years since the adoption of the Constitution, a historic milestone in our democratic journey. The Constitution remains the supreme law of the Republic and a powerful expression of the values of human dignity, equality and freedom for which the youth of 1976 fought. It continues to safeguard the rights of young people and provides the framework for advancing their aspirations.
 
As we reflect on this legacy, Parliament is reminded that the struggle of 1976 was not just about resistance. It was also about access, dignity and opportunity for the youth. These are principles that remain central to the lived experiences of our young people today.
 
Parliament recognises the vital role young people continue to play in strengthening South Africa’s constitutional democracy through civic participation, education, entrepreneurship, innovation and community engagement. However, despite notable progress since 1994, youth unemployment remains persistently high.
 
According to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), young people aged 15 to 34 constitute approximately 21 million of the country’s 42.2 million working-age population. Stats SA’s first-quarter 2026 data show that 5.6 million young people aged 15 to 34 were employed, while 4.7 million were unemployed, and the remaining 10.6 million were outside the labour force. The report stated that those aged 15 to 24 face the highest unemployment rate at 60.9%, followed by those aged 25-34 at 40.6%. These figures highlight the scale of labour-market exclusion among young people. They also show the urgent need for sustained, coordinated interventions to expand meaningful economic participation for young people. 
 
Parliament acknowledges its role in addressing structural barriers that continue to exclude young people from full economic participation. Through legislative action and oversight of the implementation of youth-centred development policies, Parliament continues to press for stronger outcomes in youth employment, access to skills programmes aligned with emerging industries, entrepreneurship support and participation in procurement and economic value chains.
 
As the nation marks Youth Month, Parliament calls on all sectors of society to intensify efforts to dismantle the barriers that continue to exclude young people from full economic participation. Young people are encouraged to remain active in democratic life, to innovate, to lead in their communities and to contribute to building an inclusive and prosperous South Africa.
 
The youth of 1976 demonstrated that young people possess the power to change the course of history. Today’s generation carries the responsibility and opportunity to advance that legacy in a democratic era defined by rights, participation and possibility.
 
As we honour their memory, Parliament reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that the aspirations of South Africa’s youth are realised through concrete action that advances equality, opportunity and shared prosperity.

Issued by Parliament