A four-day programme will combine remembrance, youth development, cultural experiences and local economic opportunities as South Africa marks 50 years since the Soweto Uprising.
Soweto, South Africa (08 June 2026) – As South Africa prepares to mark the 50th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising, a four-day programme put together by Jozi My Jozi in Soweto is aiming to do more than commemorate a defining moment in the country’s history.
From 13 to 16 June, 76 Hours in Soweto will bring together heritage, culture, tourism, youth development and entrepreneurship in an effort to honour the legacy of 1976 while creating opportunities for today’s generation.
The initiative is expected to draw visitors from across the country and beyond, encouraging them to spend time in Soweto, engage with local businesses and experience the township’s rich history and culture firsthand.
While the events are rooted in remembrance, there is also a strong focus on the future. Young entrepreneurs, artists, performers, learners and community organisations will all form part of the programme, reflecting the theme: “Honouring the Past, Building the Future.”
Activities begin on 13 June with community film screenings and dialogues at various venues across Soweto. The following day will see the Locrate Market showcase young creatives and entrepreneurs, while 15 June will feature a career expo for 1,000 learners from Soweto schools as well as intergenerational discussion sessions focused on solutions and shared experiences.
The commemorations will culminate on Youth Day with the June 16 Experience. The day will begin with the symbolic “Finish What Was Started” walk, tracing the route taken by students during the 1976 uprising, before moving to Vilakazi Street for a celebration of local food, music, art, fashion and entrepreneurship.
Local accommodation establishments, tour guides, restaurants, market traders, artists and small businesses are all expected to benefit from increased visitor activity during the four-day period.
By spreading activities across different parts of Soweto, organisers hope to ensure that economic opportunities reach a broad range of communities while also showcasing the township’s diverse stories, people and attractions.
The programme offers an opportunity not only to remember the courage of the young people who changed the course of South African history, but also to celebrate a new generation that continues to shape the future through creativity, enterprise and community action.
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