Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane will tomorrow, June 16, together with the world pay tribute to the youth of South Africa who 34 years ago stood up against the apartheid government to protest against inferior education and other social ills. The highlight of the events will be a wreath laying ceremony at the Hector Peterson Memorial.
High profile participants at the event will include high ranking FIFA officials; South African Football Association (SAFA) President Kirsten Nematandani, Chairman of the 2010 Local Organising Committee (LOC) Irvin Khoza, CEO of the LOC Dr Danny Jordaan and soccer legends such as Lucas Radebe, Kalusha Bwalya, Doctor Khumalo and former French international Patrick Vieira.
"Football has, over the years, served as a unifier and a nation-builder. This World Cup is proof to that. All you have to do is look at the flags being proudly hoisted by South Africans today. These are some of the reasons the youth of 1976 took to the street. It is only fitting that we doff our hats to them during this incredible tournament," Mokonyane said.
Thirty-four years ago, apartheid police opened fire on innocent students who were protesting against the use of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction in all African schools. Many died and scores were left injured. The uprising left an indelible mark on South Africa further speeding up FIFA's decision to expel South Africa as one of its members.
South Africa finally lost its FIFA membership in the latter part of 1976, adding pressure on the apartheid state to abandon its racist policies as the world increased its isolation of the apartheid regime.
"On this day the world has an opportunity to learn and remember sacrifices made by the youth of June 16 to ensure free South Africa," Premier Mokonyane said.
The victorious spirit of the June 16 generation will spur Bafana Bafana when they face Uruguay in their scheduled World Cup match at Loftus Versfeld in Tshwane.
Details of the events:
* Wreath-laying ceremony in Orlando, Soweto
Time: 09h00 to 10h00
* Carnival parade from Solomon Mahlangu Square to Moretele Park, Mamelodi
Time: 13h00 to 15h00
For more information contact:
Barba Gaoganediwe
Cell: 083 445 7844
Issued by: Office of the Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government
15 June 2010
