Komani Youth Awakening Event to Mark 50 Years Since Soweto Uprising

A local youth initiative aimed at inspiring and empowering young people will take place in Komani this week as part of commemorations marking the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Soweto Uprising.

Community organisation Take Back Komani has announced the Komani Youth Awakening programme, which will be held at the Chris Hani District Council Chamber on Friday, 19 June 2026, under the theme “Know Your History, Claim Your Space.”

According to organisers, the event seeks to honour the courage of the students who took part in the Soweto Uprising on 16 June 1976, a pivotal moment in South Africa’s struggle against apartheid.

The programme will provide an opportunity for young people to engage directly with leaders from various sectors, including governance, activism, community development, business, and arts and culture. Organisers say participants will be able to ask questions, gain insights, and learn about different opportunities available to them.

The panel is expected to include:

• Avumile Mnqanqeni, Manager in the Office of the Executive Mayor at Chris Hani District Municipality;
• Songezo Cengimbo, Secretary of the South African Youth Council in Chris Hani;
• Thina Nkepu, Chairperson of Izibele Zoluntu Foundation;
• Lizo Mandlendoda, CEO of DICLA; and
• A representative from the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (DSRAC).

Registration for the event will begin at 4pm, with proceedings scheduled to start at 5pm.

The programme will continue on Saturday, 20 June, with a free Movie and Fun Day for 200 children. Activities are set to include a movie screening, jumping castle, entertainment, and other recreational activities.

Organisers describe the initiative as a non-political youth programme focused on encouraging young people to learn about their history, resist drug and alcohol abuse, and become active participants in their communities.

Young people and children from across the greater Komani area have been invited to attend.