If you happen to be in Joburg at this time, look out for special commemorative tours and events happening around the memorial sites in Soweto, including free museum entrances. We've put together some ways for you to remember June 16, which falls on a Monday this year (2025).
Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum
The protests of June 16, 1976, started from several high schools, with the largest groups of pupils joining up to march through the Soweto suburb of Orlando West. The police, who had already arrived in the morning armed to the teeth, first turned on the protestors in Orlando West near Vilakazi Street, and you’ll find many memorials devoted to the youth of 1976 in this area. Look out for the mosaics on the pavements marking the places where the bodies of children were felled by police bullets, and wire sculptures depicting the police and their dogs facing off against children armed with stones.
The devastating moment when police fired live ammunition at the unarmed school children was captured in photographer Sam Nzima’s now-iconic photo of the bloody and limp body of 12-year-old Hector Pieterson being carried by an older student. The Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum marks the exact corner where the police turned on the protestors.
This deeply moving museum is one of Soweto's most impressive. Using startling photographs, personal testimonies, video, and informative texts, the exhibition provides an in-depth examination of the events leading up to the 1976 Soweto uprising, the actual protests, and the after-effects of the unrest. Putting the students' grievances into this context, the events of June 16 are outlined in harrowing detail.
*Note: cameras are not allowed inside the museum, however, you can take photos outside at the memorial.
Born Free Perspectives art tour at Constitution Hill
On Sat, Jun 14 from 09:30 – 11:15, just ahead of Youth Day, the Constitutional Court Art Collection hosts Born Free Perspectives – a special Art and Justice Tour at Constitution Hill. Expect bold artworks, fresh takes, and big questions as young South African artists reflect on 30 years of democracy. The tour will be followed by a live performance by Nqobile Mbatha and a panel of powerful youth voices. This free event offers a unique lens into our past, present, and future. Space is limited – RSVP to ccac@concourttrust.org.za.
Kids Love Jazz at The Playground
Get ready for an afternoon of big talent and even bigger grooves at Kids Love Jazz by NarowBi, on Sat, Jun 14 from 14:00 – 23:00 at The Playground, Braamfontein. This isn’t kiddie jazz – it’s a celebration of fresh voices and fearless sounds in South African jazz. The lineup includes piano maestro Andile Yenana, soul-soaked singer Rorisang Sechele, the high-energy horn heroes of the Ubuntu Experiment, and the boundary-breaking Cape Town collective, Kujenga. It’s jazz with bite, heart, and heat – and it’s all going down in the afternoon sun. Tickets are R300 per person – grab yours here.
Sarafina! at Joburg Theatre
Sarafina! returns to Joburg Theatre from Fri, May 30 May – Sun, Jun 15, 2025 in a stirring revival of one of South Africa's most beloved musicals. Set in the wake of the 1976 student uprising, this iconic show – powered by the music of Mbongeni Ngema and Hugh Masekela – tells the story of defiance, hope, and the fight for freedom. Directed by Mpho Molepo with choreography by Nompumelele Gumede-Ngema, it's a powerful and poignant must-see for Youth Month. Tickets are R150 – R450 per person and can be booked here.
Lebo's Soweto Backpackers Youth Day bike ride
For those who love adventure on two wheels (or three!), join Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers on Mon, Jun 16 from 10:00 – 14:00 for a special Youth Day bike tour. This commemorative journey follows the trail of the Soweto Uprising, and includes a visit to the historic Morris Isaacson High School. Choose your ride: bicycle (R400 per person) or tuk tuk (R500 per person), with free entry for under-18s. Book via WhatsApp on +27 81 524 2918 or email lebo@sowetobackpackers.com
Cosmic Echoes Youth Day conversation at Wits Origins Centre
On Mon, Jun 16 from 11:00, ancient wisdom meets modern science at the Origins Centre for the Cosmic Echoes exhibition. Catch a special and lively Youth Day conversation featuring youth leader Murphy Morobe, rising curator Kamogelo Walaza, and award-winning artist Junior Oliphant. After the conversation, explore the exhibition with refreshments on hand. Tickets are just R60 per person, R30 for students and pensioners, and can be booked here or purchased at the door.
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