Next Week

June 16 is Soweto Day

June 16 1976 saw fifteen thousand primary and secondary students gathering throughout the township of Soweto. This was the beginning of the events that we commemorate during next week.

The black students were protesting about the introduction of Afrikaans (the white man's language) into the schools. By the reports of overseas reporters, the students were jovial and peaceful. Then, at one stage, a white policeman pulled out his revolver and shot a thirteen year old in the back - killing him. From this the students attacked the police, ignoring the tear gas and the live ammunition fired at them. Official figures for the day's violence reached 20 dead and over 200 injured.

Salient, as part of the buildup to the July 3 march, is running a series of articles on the events connected with Soweto. Remember that by marching on July 3 we are showing our support for the people of Soweto and the others under the apartheid system.