Soweto unity concert marks 50 years since June 16

By Palesa Matlala

• The Soweto Unity Concert will be held at Orlando Stadium on 14 June 2026 to commemorate 50 years since the June 16 Uprising.

• Former student leader Seth Mazibuko says the event is part of a painful but necessary healing process to honour those who died in 1976.

South Africa is marking 50 years since the June 16 Uprising with a major Soweto Unity Concert set for 14 June 2026.

The concert will take place at Orlando Stadium in Soweto. Organisers say the event will honour the brave youth and cultural figures who helped shape the country’s journey to freedom.

It has been almost five decades since the 1976 uprising, when school pupils took to the streets to protest against apartheid education. Many young people were killed when police opened fire.

The concert also comes 40 years after the historic Unity Concert held at Ellis Park Stadium in 1985, which became a powerful symbol of resistance through music.

Several well known artists and public figures attended the launch of the 2026 event. They include Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, Marah Louw, PJ Powers, Lala Tuku, Mzwakhe Mbuli and Blondie Makhene.

One of the leaders of the 1976 protests, Seth Mazibuko, said the concert represents a new chapter of healing.

“I still fear the pain of 1976, having to be involved with the community of Soweto, that is a heavy process of healing,” said Mazibuko.

He urged South Africans to honour those who died with dignity.

“Let us honour and celebrate them with dignity and respect,” he said.

Johannesburg MMC for Community Development Thapelo Amad said the city is proud to support an event that promotes unity and social healing through music.

“The 1985 Unity Concert became more than just a performance. It marked a pivotal moment of courage and connection in history,” said Amad.

A representative speaking on behalf of the South African Broadcasting Corporation said music played a key role in freeing people from the chains of apartheid.

The 2026 concert aims to bring that spirit back to Soweto as the country reflects on its painful past and celebrates the courage of its youth.

Pictured above: Marah Louw and Sipho ”Hotsticks’ Mabuse

Image source: Supplied