Youth Day 2026: Honouring the Legacy of 1976 Through Service and Active Citizenship

Message from the YeBo Institute Board Chairperson, Dr Chrischar Rock

Today, 16 June, as we commemorate Youth Day and mark 50 years since the Soweto Uprising of 1976, we honour the courage, sacrifice and determination of the young people who stood up against injustice and helped shape the future of our democracy.

As I reflect, one thing becomes abundantly clear. Young people are not merely beneficiaries of change, they are its architects and we see it in the courage and bravery of the 1976 youth. Their legacy continues to inspire a new generation of South Africans to lead, serve and contribute to building a more inclusive and prosperous society.

Today, South Africa faces a crisis. Too many young people remain excluded from education and employment. Youth service offers a meaningful response.

At YeBo Institute and specifically through the Institute’s YearBeyond programme, we offer a meaningful response that youth service transforms the narrative from “unemployed youth” to “active citizen”. It builds resilience, fosters innovation and creates a sense of belonging.  Youth, called YeBoneers, serve in schools, libraries, clinics or communities. Through service, they are building brighter futures for themselves while strengthening the communities they serve. This is what makes youth service so powerful.

This Youth Day, we celebrate every YeBoneer, past and present, whose service is strengthening communities,