Honouring the Past
June 16, 1976 stands as one of the most defining moments in South African history. On this day, thousands of black students in Soweto protested the apartheid government’s policy enforcing Afrikaans as the primary medium of instruction in schools.
This protest was not just about language—it was about rejecting a system designed to suppress opportunity and disconnect learners from empowerment through education.
The images of police brutality, tear gas, and the tragic death of 13-year-old Hector Pieterson became powerful symbols of resistance, sparking international outrage and intensifying the anti-apartheid movement. Today, we commemorate this moment as Youth Day, honouring the bravery of those young people while reflecting on the ongoing pursuit of equity and dignity.
But commemoration alone is not enough.
A New Frontier: Digital Literacy
While today’s youth may not be protesting against language policies, they are facing another systemic barrier—the digital divide.
In 2025, digital literacy is as essential as reading and writing. It determines access to education, employment, and full participation in society. Without it, young people risk being left behind in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The challenges are stark:
Rural schools without reliable internet access.
Classrooms with minimal devices.
Communities where parents have little exposure to digital tools.
Without addressing these gaps, millions of young South Africans remain digitally disenfranchised.
Drawing Parallels: From Afrikaans to Algorithms
In 1976, students fought for the right to learn in a language that empowered them. Today, the “language” is digital—made up of coding, connectivity, and computational thinking.
Just as the inability to learn in a familiar tongue created barriers, a lack of digital fluency today locks young people out of opportunity. Digital literacy now means:
Using search engines strategically.
Distinguishing real from fake news.
Accessing online education.
Creating digital content and solutions.
Without these skills, participation in the modern economy becomes limited—mirroring the exclusion of the past.
Lessons from June 16 for the Digital Age
1. Education as a Tool of Liberation
The 1976 youth understood that education could liberate or oppress. Digital literacy should now be treated as a basic human right, not a privilege. Every child deserves access to:
Affordable internet
Digital devices
Age-appropriate, future-focused learning resources
2. Youth as Agents of Change
Young people must help design the solutions they need. This can be through:
Youth-led innovation hubs
Peer-to-peer digital mentoring
Coding and robotics clubs
3. Systemic Reform for Digital Equity
Closing the digital divide requires national urgency—similar to dismantling apartheid education. This means:
Investing in broadband infrastructure
Training teachers in digital pedagogy
Integrating digital literacy into all subjects
Coding as Modern-Day Protest
Imagine every mobile app developed in Limpopo, every website built in Khayelitsha, and every community Wi-Fi network launched in Umlazi as acts of resistance. Each project says:
“I belong in the future.”
By empowering youth with coding and digital creation skills, we are not only giving them tools to succeed—we are continuing the legacy of June 16 in a modern form.
Carrying the Torch Forward
The youth of 1976 fought to be heard, understood, and given a fair chance. Today, we honour their courage by ensuring our young people can speak the language of the future—digital literacy.
At Regent Business School, we are committed to bridging this gap through innovative programmes, technology-driven learning spaces like our iLeadLABs, and a curriculum designed for the future of work. We believe that education should prepare every learner—not just to participate—but to lead in a connected, global economy.
June 16 should live not only in our memories but in our Wi-Fi signals, coding classes, and the empowered confidence of digitally fluent youth.
