AWARE.org Youth Day Roundtable Event Commemorate the legacy of 16th June 1976
Thabo Motlhabi
Aware.org successfully hosted a Youth Month Roundtable Event to Commemorates, and honour the legacy of 16th June 1976, Soweto Uprising. The event took place at UJ Bunting Theatre, on Thursday, 18 June 2026, bringing together young people, educators, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and stakeholders committed to youth development.
Fifty years after the historic Soweto Uprising, the event reflected on the sacrifices made by courageous generation of young people who risked, and lost their lives in the struggle for freedom, equality, and quality education for Black South African students. Their bravery paved the way for South Africa’s democratic journey, and today’s youth continue to seek meaningful participation in shaping the country’s future.
The central question raised during the roundtable was: What is next? Aware.org challenges government, private sector, civil society, and other stakeholders to work together in developing innovative solutions to address the challenges facing youth people in an increasingly digital world.
Thr primary objective of the roundtable was to create a meaningful a platform for young people to explore the opportunities, and challenges shaping the future of South Africa’s youth. Discussions focused on higher education, entrepreneurship, digital skills, creativity, innovation, and employment opportunities. The event aimed to empower young people with valuable information, and inspire them to use their talents, skills, and creativity to create opportunities for themselves in a rapidly advancing technological environments. Participants were encouraged to become active contributors to solutions that address the country’s persistently high youth unemployment rate. The roundtable also provided a safe, and inclusive space for young people to voice their concerns, share experiences, and gain motivation to develop skills that can help address both personal, and social challenges.
Aware.org’s CEO, Mokete Thulo, highlighted the importance of creating platforms where young people can engage with influential leaders, and gain inspiration for their future journeys:
” To young people, you are more important, and more influential than you may ever realize, lool at what you already have, and the assets available to you, whether they are your skills, talents, or opportunities around you. Use what you have today, you can start now. You do not have to wait for some future events before taking action”.
Inspiring the Next Generations
Throughout the event, various speakers encouraged young people to remain curious, take responsibility for their future, and embrace lifelong learning. Discussions also addressed critical social issues such as drugs, and alcohol abuse,highlighting education, and skills development as key tools for overcoming these challenges.
Participants emphasis was placed on the importance of digital skills, and the opportunities valuable through technology, and innovation.
As a Coordinator of Youth Content Collective, Sibusiso Zulu, expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to inspire young people through digital skills development:
” To the youth, start now, create the future you want to see. We are fortunate to be living in the digital world, where we have access to opportunities, access to the world, and access to information. Start thinking about the future you want, engage, and start creating”.
The roundtable concluded with a engaging dialogue in the challenges facing South African youth, and the inspiring stories of individuals who have overcome adversity. Participants were encouraged to make podiums chocolate, pursue education, and skills development, and actively contribute to building a brighter future for themselves, and their communities.