It began as a peaceful protest
On 16 June 1976, an estimated 20,000 children from schools in the township of Soweto in Johannesburg, took to the streets to protest the introduction of Afrikaans as a language of instruction in local schools. Afrikaans was seen by many as the language of the oppressor. The Afrikaans Medium Decree of 1974 forced all black schools to use Afrikaans and English in a 50-50 mix as languages of instruction.
Soweto riots (1976-06-16)Original Source: Baileys African History Archive
Supported by students and teachers
On June 16 learners gathered at Orlando Stadium in a protest organised by the Soweto Students’ Representative Council’s (SSRC) Action Committee. The protest was supposed to be peaceful and many teachers supported it after the Action Committee emphasised discipline.
Soweto riots (1976-06-16)Original Source: Baileys African History Archive
"Viva Azania"
When the march began, learners marched carrying signs "Down with Afrikaans", "Viva Azania" and "If we must do Afrikaans, Vorster must do Zulu". They found that their route had been barred by police.
Soweto riots (1976-06-16)Original Source: Baileys African History Archive
Orlando High School
The leaders of the Action Committee asked marchers not to provoke the police and the march continued on another route, eventually ending up near Orlando High School.
Soweto riots (1976-06-16)Original Source: Baileys African History Archive
176 people were killed
The confrontation between learners and police got out of hand when police released dogs onto the crowd who responded by stoning the dogs to death. Police then began to open fire on the children. Over 176 people were killed that day. Protests quickly spread to townships all over the country.
Soweto riots (1976-06-16)Original Source: Graeme Williams / South Photos
The iconic image of the Soweto uprising
The image of 13 year old Hector Pieterson, who was the first child shot dead by apartheid police during the Soweto uprising, has become an iconic image.
Soweto riots (1976-06-16)Original Source: Graeme Williams / South Photos
Hector Pieterson was carried by Mbuyisa Makhubo.
Soweto riots (1976-06-16)Original Source: Graeme Williams / South Photos
The photo was taken by news photographer Sam Nzima.
Soweto riots (2004-09-01)Original Source: Motlhalefi Mahlabe / South Photos
Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum in Soweto
The Soweto Riots, or Soweto Uprising as it is now known, galvanised resistance to apartheid both within and without South Africa.
Tap to explore
June the 16th is commemorated in South Africa as National Youth Day.
Photographic Archive — Baileys African History Archive
Photographer — Graeme Williams / South Photographs
Photographer — David Goldblatt / South Photographs
Photographer — Motlhalefi Mahlabe / South Photographs
Text — Baileys African History Archive and Africa Media Online
