Revolution der Jugend in Südafrika – Der Schüleraufstand 1976 in Soweto

In the organizer's words:

50 years ago, in June 1976, tens of thousands of schoolchildren took to the streets in Soweto. Their protest was directed against the racist education policy of the apartheid regime - and it changed the history of South Africa forever.

When the police shot at the demonstrating children and young people, who were simply standing up for better education, the white rulers finally lost their international reputation. The Soweto Uprising marked the beginning of the decisive phase of resistance against apartheid. Nelson Mandela's government later declared June 16, 1976 as South Africa's national holiday - "Youth Day".

On this evening, we will classify the uprising historically and politically, ask about today's youth and education policy in South Africa and draw comparisons with other youth movements on the African continent. With speakers from South Africa and Germany, we will create an evening that not only remembers history, but also translates it into the present.

An event organized by the South Africa country group.

Moderated by: Dr. Rita Schäfer (lecturer and researcher) and Vera Dwors (Fachstelle Südafrika / Eine Welt Netz NRW)

📅 Tuesday, June 9, 2026 | 19:00 - 20:30 hrs
📍 Auslandsgesellschaft.de e.V., Steinstraße 48, 44147 Dortmund
🎟️ Free admission
✉️ Registration requested: veranstaltungen@auslandsgesellschaft.de or phone: 0231 8380019