YOUTH DAY: The price tag of Freedom

On a cold winter’s morning in Soweto, more than 10 000 children filled the streets to march peacefully to Orlando Stadium. 

They were protesting against the use of Afrikaans as a main language in their schools.

The excitement of making a difference quickly turned to horror when heavily armed Apartheid police fired teargas and live ammunition at the helpless pupils. 

WATCH:

There was no escaping the brutality. Some surrendered and others scattered to save their lives – 27 died that day – 176 were killed in total over the next few days – thousands were injured. 

They were children. They had a right to be heard. They didn’t deserve such brutality. They are the real heroes of the struggle that brought democracy to South Africa. 

It is now in our hands to enhance and value education more. May we never forget the price tag of freedom!