46 years ago today, the Apartheid led South African government saw themselves faced with a political movement like no other, a movement that was led by young and courageous students that were intent on making their grievances heard. Grievances that were targeted to the Bantu education system, where they were against the usage of Afrikaans as the main medium of instruction, moreover it was an inkling that was unleashed within each person that made them take a stand and fight for something that was easily awarded to their white counterparts.

A pivotal turning point in our history books, June 16 is the day where we take the time to pay homage to the bravery and sacrifice displayed by the Soweto uprising youth. A day our elders often narrate with horrific terror stories, while millennials remember the day making use of the image of a young lifeless Hector Pieterson being carried by Mbuyisa Makhuba. Years down the line, we take time to remember those whose blood beared the fruits of our freedom.

Year in, year out – one question seems to always arise during this time of the year, and it is whether it’s fair to commemorate their struggle when there is no significant change in our lives? Policies and systematic laws have since changed, however the youth of today still find themselves marching the streets in protest of the people in power that fail to uplift the young generation through the schooling system. Learners of today find themselves walking miles in routes that are ill maintained only for them to study under a tree or dilapidated school structures. The education struggle is one that no longer needs to be taken to the streets or have political standing but rather taken to our boardrooms in our office spaces where we start conversations on how to grow or rather plant the seed that will nurture generations to come.

Youth day is no longer a fight or declaration set aside for one special day a year but should rather be a daily exercise where the young and old merge their worlds, thoughts, and positions of power to open the pearly white gates that many South African youngsters see as a far-fetched dream.

One thing can be surely stated and that is, the blood that was shed was not in vain, though the struggle still and seemingly will forever continue for the black, young and under privileged people of South Africa. Seeing the new bred of youngsters emerging from the shadows and creating opportunities that were unimaginable to the previous generation and knocking down the heavily barricaded doors of success – is something that our freedom fighters would surely be proud off.

One can only hope that the people of our beloved country can unite to uplift those that are carried by the shadow of doubt and help them see the light that seems to be a glimmer away. Unite in the creation of job opportunities, educate our children on more than the traditional routes of education or career choices – offer a child the chance to dream beyond their borders or current surroundings.

For that should be the way we honor and give thanks to those whole blood ran dry on the streets of Soweto on that fateful morning of June 16, 1976.