From Hector Pieterson to Hip-Hop - Soweto Theatre's Free Youth Festival Bridges 1976 Spirit with 2025 Activism

Johannesburg, 11 June 2025 – Soweto is set to relive the defiant energy of 1976 through the powerful revival of Sarafina!, the iconic protest musical that captured the spirit of a generation. In commemoration of the 49^th anniversary of the June 16 Uprising — and as a prelude to the milestone 50^th anniversary in 2026 — Joburg City Theatres, led by the Soweto Theatre, will transform the precinct into a three-day cultural and educational experience from 14 to 16 June.

From community workshops to youth-led arts showcases, and culminating in a vibrant Sarafina! concert performance, the event promises to immerse audiences in a living tribute to the bravery of South Africa’s youth.

Beyond the Stage: A Community Renaissance The June 16 commemoration extends far beyond performances, delivering lasting improvements to Soweto's cultural heart. The city's comprehensive Clean & Safe initiatives include:

• Soweto Theatre Precinct Transformation: Complete cleaning and beautification around the Music School with new landscaping and gardening projects
• Braamfontein Connectivity: New Ameshof Street lighting project improving safety and accessibility
• Newtown Cultural Hub Upgrades: Infrastructure improvements connecting Johannesburg's cultural precincts
• Sustained Safety Measures: Ongoing Clean & Safe initiatives ensuring the precinct remains vibrant year-round

"This isn't just a three-day event—it's the beginning of Soweto's cultural renaissance," says Dada Morero Executive Mayor of Johannesburg. "We're investing in infrastructure that will serve the community long after the final curtain call. We are reclaiming Soweto’s place as the epicentre of youth activism and creative resistance. Sarafina! is more than a musical – it is a reminder of what courage looks like when led by the youth. At a time when the country is once again at a political crossroads, we invite all generations to reconnect with the values of unity, resistance, and hope.”

49 Years Since June 16: Soweto Celebrates, Reflects, and Mobilises

The June 16 Uprising in 1976 marked a turning point in South Africa’s liberation history, when students rose against the apartheid regime’s imposition of Afrikaans in schools. Their sacrifice, led by youth like Hector Pieterson, remains a powerful call to action — and this year, Soweto answers that call.

Youth Month Activations – Highlights:

14 June:

• Interactive youth workshops and community-building activities across the Soweto Theatre precinct.

15 June:

• Special outdoor screening of Sarafina! the film.
• Live Amapiano music and youth-driven art installations.

16 June – Youth Day:

• Forecourt programme with music, drumming, dance, storytelling
• Live concert version of Sarafina!
• Community brunch, dance competitions, music from Soweto Theatre students, and prize-giving.

The entire precinct — including the Gibson Kente Theatre, Yellow and Blue Theatres, and new Container spaces — will be animated with family-friendly programming from 11am daily. The site will be supported by city-led Clean & Safe initiatives, including upgrades in Newtown, Braamfontein’s lighting projects, and environmental beautification of the precinct.

“This is not just a show — it is a movement,” says Xoliswa Nduneni-Ngema, CEO of Joburg City Theatres. “By reviving Sarafina! in the heart of Soweto, we are giving voice to a new generation while honouring the legacy of those who came before them.”

MEDIA ARE INVITED TO COVER THE FOLLOWING:

• Youth workshops (14 June)
• Sarafina! film screening and live performances (15 June)
• Main Commemoration & Sarafina! live concert version (16 June)
• Interviews with cast, youth leaders, and officials

FREE ENTRY | ALL WELCOME

All activities and performances across 14–16 June are FREE of charge and open to the public. Seating is first come, first served. Families, schools, and youth organisations are encouraged to arrive early to secure a spot and enjoy the full experience.

For media inquiries, high-resolution images and interview requests contact media@jtcomms.co.za or (011) 788 7632

For Joburg Theatre contact Bongani Maseko on bongani@joburgtheatre.com

Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of Joburg City Theatres

Youth Month Programme - Event Overview:

June – Youth Month Activations

The June 16, 1976, Soweto Uprising was a student-led protest against the apartheid government's policy forcing Black schools to use Afrikaans as a medium of instruction. It began in Soweto with thousands of students marching peacefully, but police opened fire, killing 13-year-old Hector Pieterson among others. The protest sparked nationwide unrest, leading to hundreds of deaths and widespread violence. It became a turning point in the anti-apartheid struggle, drawing global attention and support for the movement. Today, June 16 is commemorated as Youth Day in South Africa to honour the students’ bravery.

This year is the 49^th anniversary of June 16, a prelude to the 50^th anniversary in 2026 targeting over 300 youth per day the with exciting activations including :

• 15 June: A full-day experience featuring a screening of the iconic film Sarafina! live music performances by Amapiano DJs, and youth-led art showcases.
• 16 June – Main Commemoration Day: Outdoor youth activities - forecourt Programme with music, drumming, dance, and storytelling and a live performance of Sarafina! Concert version.

The entire Soweto Theatre precinct including the Forecourt, The Yellow and Blue Theatres, Gibson Kente Theatre and the Container spaces will come alive with activity, welcoming families, schools, and communities from across the city with an exciting Programme starting at 11am with the below line up

• Guest arrival & teas/coffees/light warm breakfast
• Sarafina! The musical on the Gibson Kente Stage
• Brunch light food is served winter warmers
• Music item from the balcony by Soweto Theatre music students
• Dance Competitions
• Prize Giving

Clean and safe initiatives

• Cleaning of Soweto Theatre priciest around the Music School and gardening
• Braamfontein Ameshof Street Lighting Project
• Newtown Precinct upgrades
• Clean & Safe Initiatives

EVENT NAME:

YOUTH MONTH PROGRAMME

TIME

DESCRIPTION

VENUE

FRIDAY, 13 JUNE 2025

08h00 – 17h00

Technical Move-in

Workshop Setup

·         Projector Needed

·         Chairs to be set-up

-          Gibson Kente Theatre

-          Yellow Theatre

-          Container

SATURDAY, 14 JUNE 2025

08h00 – 17h00

Technical Setup

Building Department: Cleaning

-          Forecourt

-          Container (Chairs)

-          Gibson Kente

Old Tuckshop

SUNDAY, 15 JUNE 2025

10h00– 11h00

Arrival for screening

-          Soup to be provided

Soweto Theatre

11h00 – 12h30

Screening of Sarafina the Movie:

Blue Theatre

11h00 – 12h30

Talk on Fatherhood & Society at Large

Speaker: Babantu & Makafula Vilakazi

Facilitator: Thandwefika Tshabalala

Yellow Theatre

11h00 – 12h30

Workshop: music industry, multiple income streams and being an independent artist

Facilitator: Shekinah

Container

13h00 – 14h30

Workshop: on Vusi Mahlasela’s journey, the road and the opportunities over the decades

Facilitator: Vusi Mahlasela

Yellow Theatre

13h00 – 16h00

Mama Afrika Screening & Discussion

Facilitator: JRoss Vuma

Blue Theatre

14h30 – 17h00

Music & Poetry Performance:

-          4-piece band with

o   Sims Tshabalala: Drums

o   AMG: guitar

o   Gally Ngoveni.: Bass

o   Lindi Ngonelo Keys and director

-          lead Singer Lindy Ngonelo

Live Performers

-          Brendan Praise : Gospel

-          Thabsie: Amapiano/house/jazz

-          Thalitha/ Afro Soul /amapiano

-          Boskasie: House / folk/Soul

-          Jonathan Lefenya (Poet)

-          Melissa Moyo (Poet)

-          Dj Teedo for inbetween

Forecourt

MONDAY, 16 JUNE 2025

09h30 – 10h45

Outdoor Activities

-          Drumming & Movement

Forecourt/ Grass Area/ Amphitheatre

11h00 – 12h10

Perf 1: Sarafina Concert Version

Notes:

·         Total of 300 pax to be bused in

·         130 Pax to be confirmed for 11am show 

Gibson Kente

12h30 – 14h45

Live Music & Poetry Programme

-          Iphupho Laka Biko

-          House band with vocalists

-          Basetsana: Amapiano/soul

-          Thatohatsi Amapiano

-          Usimamane: Hip Hop

-          Da Muziqal Chef: Dj . producer of amapiano and afro tec

-          3 poets

o   Lesego Rampolokeng Zandile  Sibanda

o   Tshepo  Molefe

Forecourt

15h00 – 16h10

Perf2: Sarafina Concert Version

Notes:

·         Total Pax for stakeholder

o   COJ 100Pax

o   300 Pax to be finalised & Logistics.

Gibson Kente

16h10 – 17h00

Music / DJ

Forecourt