Latest update February 12th, 2025 8:40 AM
Latest News
- In 5 years, Guyana gave up US$10B in taxes to Exxon and partners
- Govt. issues 30-day notice to terminate CGX, Frontera Corentyne Block licence
- Netanyahu threatens to resume Israel’s war on Gaza if captives not released
- Bartica teacher remanded for allegedly raping student
- Girl, 12, pregnant after stepfather allegedly sexually abused her and 9-year-old sister
Guyana arm of Pan African Movement remembers Soweto massacre
…commemorates Day of the African child
In 1976, a massacre of African youths occurred in Soweto, South Africa. The killings stemmed from a protest staged by a vast number of African students. June 16, is acknowledged around the world as “Day of the African Child”, in commemoration of the killings.
On Sunday, the Pan African Movement hosted its annual concert to pay its respects to the Soweto dead.
The main instant in the African History to be remembered on the Day of the African Child is the killing of numerous youths during a protest.
Some of the models at the Pan African Movement
The protest was mounted as youths expressed dissatisfaction of the inequality in schools. Black students had to learn lessons in English and Afrikaans, whereas whites could have chosen which language to learn.
The day began with a march by 10,000 students carrying banners and slogans, saying “Down with Afrikaans” and “Viva Azania” (the name given to South Africa by black nationalists).
At least 12 people are reported to have been killed in a series of violent clashes between black demonstrators and police in several South African townships.
Angry youths threw stones and beer bottles at police, as a protest against the compulsory use of Afrikaans as the main teaching language in black schools turned violent.
It was referred to as “the worst outbreak of racial violence seen in South Africa since the Sharpeville massacre” which occurred 16 years prior to that.
According to a Pan African Movement official, “The occasion is used to call attention to the achievements made as well as the challenges faced by Africa in the area of survival, protection and development”.
It is also used to mobilize resources for programmes designed to benefit women and children.
“Unfortunately, all over the world today, there are still too many examples of homeless and malnourished children not forgetting those exploited through child labour…” said the official.
According to Joycelynne Lonke, another Pan African official, it is important for African youths to be cognizant of their history. The yearly event could aid in refreshing the memory of those who may have forgotten.
There was a wide range of entertainment at the concert including a fashion show, numerous dances, and poems, musical renditions and definitely not forgetting the drums.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
Guyana’s silence represents a shocking neglect of its national interest
Peeping Tom… Kaieteur News-Guyana has long championed the sanctity of territorial integrity and the rejection of aggression... more
OAS Secretary General Election and renewed OAS Consensus
Antiguan Barbudan Ambassador to the United States, Sir Ronald Sanders By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News- The upcoming election... more
Weekend Cartoon
