Johannesburg: Parliament will convene the National Youth Parliament on Monday in Johannesburg to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Student Uprisings and mark 30 years of South Africa's transformative Constitution.
According to South African Government News Agency, the event will be held under the theme 'Youth Empowerment for a Suitable Future.' The 2026 Youth Parliament aims to reflect on whether the Constitution has delivered on its promise to build an equal and cohesive society. The focus will be on youth development, economic participation, and social cohesion.
The commemoration will feature a reflection on the 1976 Uprisings, including a panel discussion with survivors and activists titled 'We planned it, we marched it: what happened on 16 June and why it matters.' National Youth Day, celebrated on June 16, honours the role young people played in the fight against apartheid and the Soweto Uprising of 1976. This year's event marks a significant milestone, celebrating 50 years since the pivotal Youth Uprising.
The Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, will deliver the high-level opening address, while the Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, will present the closing remarks. The session will also see participation from representatives of faith-based organisations, LGBTQ+ youth, youth in arts, disabled youth forums, and unemployed graduates.