16 June, particularly in South Africa, is a significant date in history. It is a striking reminder of the influence youth activism has had on society and how relevant it continues to be. On this day in history, young people in Soweto boldly marched in the streets as a demonstration against a repressive educational system. 

Their valour still serves as an example for future generations, showing us how important it is for young people to demand justice and advance social change. The significance of 16 June is especially compelling in our current society as it allows us to consider how we can demonstrate the same bravery in our spaces.

Youth Day offers an occasion to reflect on the steps taken since then and the work still needed to be done to build a more just and equal society.

Youth movements around the globe have been inspired by the Soweto Uprising. Young activists fighting for social justice, equality, and human rights all around the world have found inspiration in the courage and tenacity demonstrated by South African students.

The relevance of 16 June extends beyond its historical significance. Firstly, the Soweto Uprising stressed the significance of equal access to high-quality education and the necessity to overcome educational inequalities based on racial, socioeconomic, and linguistic factors. Today, 16 June, we are reminded of this continuous battle necessary for attaining inclusive education for all South Africans.

Secondly, their demonstration highlighted young people's ability to bring about change and oppose repressive systems. To this day, it still motivates and empowers young people in South Africa to actively participate in civic life and fight for their rights.

Contextually, since the fall of apartheid in 1994, South Africa has made great progress. To guarantee regular elections and a peaceful transfer of power, the nation made the transition to democracy. A wide range of rights and liberties are protected under South Africa's post-apartheid Constitution, which also promotes non-discrimination and equality. The government has put social welfare programmes into place, widened educational access, and dealt with the HIV/AIDS epidemic successfully. Other noteworthy accomplishments include economic expansion, the improvement of infrastructure, and initiatives to foster racial harmony and nation-building.

However, various obstacles still exist, thus the will for advancement must be a constant in our society. Poverty, inequality, and high levels of unemployment are prevalent and seemingly insurmountable issues that are accompanied by crime, corruption, and poor service delivery. Therefore, it is imperative to keep paying attention to issues like economic inequality, healthcare accessibility, land reform, and educational inequality.

I challenge myself and my fellow young South Africans to be active change agents, especially considering the significance of Youth Day. We must promote constructive change, never stop learning, and value the rich diversity that our nation has to offer. 

I find the following saying to be true: ‘If not us, who? If not now, when?’ As we work to bring about the change we want to see, may this quote serve as our inspiration.

On this Youth Day, we should get involved in our communities, fight for justice and equality, and advance our country. Let us pay tribute to the tenacity and bravery of the young heroes who paved the road for us. Together, we can create a South Africa where every young person has equitable access to opportunity, where our voices are heard, and where diversity and unanimity flourish.

Happy Youth Day to all the young South Africans! May this day serve as a reminder of our ability to forge a better future for ourselves and future generations. Let’s take advantage of this opportunity to improve our beloved country.

Lesedi Ngubeni is a final year LLB student at the University of Pretoria. He is also the Chief Justice of the Constitutional Tribunal (Student Court) and an Academic Tutor in the Department of Jurisprudence.