June in South Africa is Youth Month with 16 June being National Youth Day in honour of school children and youth who fought against the brutal apartheid regime 50 years ago. On 16 June 1976, youth rose up to protest the introduction of Afrikaans in black schools, the language considered by many black South Africans as that of the oppressor. On that blood-stained day, known as the Soweto Uprising, 176 school children lay dead as night fell, shot by the police.
While we mourn the tragic loss of those lives, EarthLore is committed to building on the spirit and legacy of these courageous and principled young people who had purpose and the courage of their convictions. We view youth as essential for the present time and for our future and we endeavour to celebrate, nurture and support youth not only in June but throughout the year.
“The vision of young farmers is to be recognised as key contributors to the South African economy. Too often youth are left out of decision-making spaces. We struggle to find real opportunities. Our voices are unheard, yet our ideas are powerful and necessary for the future,” says Mashudu Takalni, EarthLore’s Programme Facilitator, a passionate young farmer in her own right.
The 2026 theme for South Africa is “RESET@50: The Future Calls!” Resetting provides a fresh start, an opportunity to clear errors, to return a situation to its correct position. Resetting a fractured bone does not remove the trauma but is essential if the injury is to heal correctly without permanent impairment. Part of resetting focuses on the active role of young people in shaping a modern, sustainable South Africa with key objectives of entrepreneurship, creation of livelihoods, health and well-being. These are some of the challenges being faced and resolved by the young farmers whose stories EarthLore will be sharing this month.
