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 49th anniversary of the June 16 Uprising — and as a prelude to the milestone 50th 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:
"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:
15 June:
16 June – Youth Day:
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:
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 imagesand 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 49th anniversary of June 16, a prelude to the 50th anniversary in 2026 targeting over 300 youth per day the with exciting activations including :
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
Clean and 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 | ForecourtContainer (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 Sims Tshabalala: Drums AMG: guitarGally Ngoveni.: BassLindi Ngonelo Keys and directorlead Singer Lindy Ngonelo Live Performers Brendan Praise : GospelThabsie: Amapiano/house/jazzThalitha/ Afro Soul /amapianoBoskasie: House / folk/SoulJonathan 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 vocalistsBasetsana: Amapiano/soulThatohatsi Amapiano Usimamane: Hip HopDa Muziqal Chef: Dj . producer of amapiano and afro tec3 poetsLesego Rampolokeng Zandile SibandaTshepo Molefe | Forecourt | ||
| 15h00 – 16h10 | Perf2: Sarafina Concert Version Notes: Total Pax for stakeholderCOJ 100Pax 300 Pax to be finalised & Logistics. | Gibson Kente | ||
| 16h10 – 17h00 | Music / DJ | Forecourt | ||
