# Social justice activist Mark Heywood says the sacrifices made 50-years-ago by the youth of June 16, 1976 laid the foundation for South Africa’s democracy, however many of the promises of freedom remain unfulfilled. In an opinion piece on the Daily Maverick, Heywood argues that the road to Freedom Day in 1994 began with the Soweto Uprising, where young people challenged apartheid at great personal cost. He says the death of Hector Pieterson symbolises the price paid for democracy and calls for renewed efforts to address inequality, unemployment and social injustice.
Social activist says June 16 sacrifice still demands justice