By Valarie Maingi.
{image by illest}
Youths have been revolutionizing governments through protest by challenging systems and demanding justice for a better future. Streets are filled with peaceful youth demonstrators with a mindset of acquiring their rights.
Young people have used their voices to challenge the status quo and demand change since way back. We can’t forget about the 1976 Soweto uprising against the Afrikaans medium decree introduced in schools forcing all black schools to use Afrikaans language and the movement for “Free Mandela!! Viva Mandela!!” Highschool students were against the policy and regarded the language as “the oppressor’s language” protesting on the streets. Today in Kenya, Generation Z (Gen Z) have taken to the streets to protest against the Finance Bill 2024, and are advocating for transparency in governance, economic opportunities, better public services and end of police brutality during peaceful demonstration.
The spirit of resistance and the quest for justice during the Soweto uprising was depicted in the movie Sarafina! The film portrays the courage and determination of the South African students retaliating against the apartheid regime. Sarafina symbolizes the resilience and hope of the youths as they faced overwhelming odds in their fight for freedom.
Though separated by time and geography, these movements share a youth driven spirit of revolution for freedom and justice. The Soweto uprising drew international condemnation of apartheid supporting the global anti-apartheid movement. The Kenyan Gen Z protest is benefiting from global digital solidarity, with activists and organizations worldwide rallying in support of their cause.
Cultural elements are playing a crucial role in the movements. Soweto music and dance “freedom is coming” symbolized resistance and unity. Digital content and music “Reject” is used for mobilizing support and reflecting on cultural trends. “Comrades power!! Viva!!” is the bold leadership mobilization among the youth enabling them to have a sense of direction and togetherness during protests.
Violent suppression, police crackdowns and arrests are common with an attempt to suppress youths but despite all these efforts, the youths’ resilience remains unshaken. Protests show the enduring power of youth movements in the quest for justice. They demonstrate that young people, regardless of era, possess the ability to drive significant change. Their courage, creativity and commitment to a better future inspire not only their peers but also attract the global community’s attention.
In Kenya, the legacy of the 1990 Saba Saba protest serves as a historical backbone for today’s youth movements. On July 7, 1990, youths took to the streets demanding political reforms and greater freedom. The Saba Saba movement was vital in Kenya for highlighting the power of collective action and the importance for fighting for democratic rights.
The courage displayed by the youth during the ongoing protest is inspiring and essential for a societal progress. The use of digital platforms to amplify their voices, creating a global network of solidarity that was unimaginable in the past helps create a platform where the demands for justice are listened to by the authorities. Their demands for transparency are crucial for the advancement of the society.
As the country witnesses the ongoing protests, the legacy of Soweto and Saba Saba serves as a powerful reminder of the impact the youth had in challenging their oppressive system. The fight for freedom and justice is a continuous journey and education never comes to an end, carried forward by a new generation who refuse to accept the status quo. From apartheid in South Africa to Modern-Day Corruption in Kenya youths unite to fight for justice.