South Africa marks 50 years since Soweto uprising by students, but challenges linger for its youth

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — South Africa on Tuesday marks the 50th anniversary of the Soweto uprising when over 200 young people protesting against the apartheid education system were shot and killed by the police.The events of June 16, 1976 — now commemorated annually as Youth Day — are considered a turning point in South Africa’s liberation struggle against white minority rule.They ignited more demonstrations in various parts of the country, fueled more resistance against the apartheid system of segregation, and brought international attention to the racial oppression faced by Black people in South Africa.Fifty years after the uprising, however, there are still concerns about the plight of young people in the country.Survivors of the protests, experts and young South Africans have lamented the challenges facing the country’s youth including inequality, high unemployment, poverty and social problems such as drug and alcohol abuse.

Soweto, one of the oldest townships in South Africa, bears symbols of the historic day which are frequently visited by local and international tourists.

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