June is a time that reawakens memories of the fearless youth who rose against the evils of apartheid in 1976. Their courage reshaped South Africa’s destiny. This month, we reflect on their struggles while comparing them with the challenges faced by today’s youth.
Many of the students who survived the 1976 uprising later rose to the upper echelons of political and civic leadership. Figures such as Murphy Morobe, Tsietsi Mashinini, Sibongile Mkhabela, Frank Chikane and Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota became prominent voices in government, civil society and national organisations. Their activism opened doors to leadership, though at significant personal cost.
I recall meeting Vho Muofhe, a parent whose story still troubles me.
“I don’t know what wrongs I committed before God,” she said. “My whole life has been a struggle. When my husband died, leaving me with two children, I took it upon myself to raise them in a Christian way. I worked menial jobs, mocked by people, but endured it all so my children could have a better life.”
Ten years ago, her son Patrick received a bursary to study engineering at Wits University. She thought her struggles were finally ending.
But in his final year, the Fees Must Fall protests erupted. Patrick’s face was everywhere on television. Despite her pleas for him to avoid the spotlight, he led crowds of students, vandalised property and was arrested. “It was as if he was possessed by a force I could not restrain,” she said. Although he eventually completed his degree, the damage was done.
Now Patrick is unemployed, rejected outright by employers who cannot look past his activist past. His criminal record shadows him, while his peers climb into senior positions. His sister dropped out of school after an early pregnancy, leaving the family dependent on Vho Muofhe’s SASSA pension.
“I thought education would lift us out of poverty,” she sighed, “but instead we are back to square one.”
VKRA’s reflections
It is heartbreaking for a parent to watch their child’s future fade. This story forces reflection on what is instilled in young people:
• Teach perspective: children must understand the sacrifices parents make to secure their future.
• Balance activism with foresight: fighting for justice is noble, but it must be weighed against long-term consequences.
• Respect institutions: universities and workplaces are stepping stones out of poverty; damaging them undermines progress.
• Prepare for resilience: life after activism requires skills in reconciliation, rebuilding and demonstrating value beyond protest.
• Community support: parents, churches and communities should guide youth towards constructive forms of advocacy that open doors rather than close them.