On 16 June 1976, thousands of students marched towards Orlando Stadium in Soweto as part of a peaceful protest against inequities in the education system. Among them were young South Africans such as Hector Pietersen, Antoinette Sithole, Cathren Mthenjane, and Joyce Dipale, individuals whose courage continues to shape the country’s journey.
Fifty years later, Youth Day remains a moment of national reflection, honouring the role of young people in advancing freedom, dignity, and opportunity for all. It is a day that reminds us of the enduring contribution of youth in shaping South Africa’s past, present, and future.
Over time, this history has become widely recognised as a shared national story. However, many of the individuals behind these moments remain less visible, and their personal stories are not always fully known to newer generations.
Connecting generations through shared legacy
As one of South Africa’s leading connectivity providers, MTN reaches millions of people across the country, including a large youth population. This presents an opportunity to connect generations, not only through technology, but through shared understanding and appreciation of history.
“Youth Day is a reminder that South Africa’s future has always been shaped by its young people. As MTN, our role is to support this through connectivity and by enabling access to opportunities that allow young people to participate and thrive,” says Yolanda Cuba, Deputy CEO at MTN South Africa.
In this context, MTN is launching the ‘Carry Them Forward’ initiative on Youth Day, in partnership with the Junesixteen 1976 Foundation NPC. The campaign aims to honour the legacy of 1976, while encouraging reflection on how these values continue to inform today’s priorities such as education, inclusion, and opportunity.
Carrying their legacy forward in a meaningful way
Between 11 June and 13 June, MTN transformed mobile lock screens into a tribute to individuals from the 1976 generation. The network display featured the name of one of the recognised 1976 hero, Hector Pietersen, creating a simple but powerful moment of national reflection.
On 16 June, customers will be invited to participate by engaging with the campaign digitally, including through social media, as a way of recognising and sharing these legacies.
By visiting the campaign platform, South Africans can learn more about individuals such as:
- Oupa Moloto, who played a role in mobilising learners and continues to preserve this history
- Antoinette Sithole, who has dedicated her life to safeguarding the memory of her generation
- Cathren Mthenjane, a student activist committed to advancing education and social justice
- Joyce Dipale, who was detained and persecuted during this period
- Francis Ndebele, who contributed to the broader movement for change
These stories are positioned within a broader national narrative that honours collective contribution and shared progress.
From reflection to continued progress
The ‘Carry Them Forward’ campaign is supported by storytelling initiatives, including interviews and educational content that bring greater visibility to the lived experiences of the 1976 generation, while connecting these lessons to the realities facing young people today.
This reflection is complemented by MTN’s ongoing efforts to support inclusive socio-economic progress. Through the MTN Skills Academy and Digital Skills for Digital Jobs programme, the organisation is working to equip young people with practical, future-ready capabilities, ranging from career guidance and digital skills training to work readiness and pathways into employment and entrepreneurship. These initiatives are designed to address one of South Africa’s most pressing challenges: bridging the gap between education, skills, and economic participation.
Recognising the broader social context in which young people live, MTN also supports initiatives that respond to key societal challenges. Through platforms such as I AM Collective, the focus is on raising awareness and contributing to collective action against gender-based violence, while supporting safer and more inclusive communities.
In addition, the 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign continues to mobilise employees and partners in support of community resilience, with recent efforts focused on improving access to equitable health services and strengthening local health responses.
“In line with MTN’s Ambition 2030, our focus is to create shared value by connecting people not only to each other, but to opportunities that enable participation, dignity, and progress,” adds Cuba.
By linking historical reflection with tangible action, MTN aims to ensure that Youth Day is not only a moment of remembrance, but also a platform to highlight continued progress, supporting young people to access opportunities, contribute meaningfully to society, and shape South Africa’s future.