Over a hundred youth from various ‘progressive’ political parties marked June 16 on Monday with unique display of solidarity with the people of Russia.
On June 16, 1976, the youth of South Africa rose up against apartheid. This is one of the most crucial moments in the country’s history. It was a point in history where young people showed firm resistance against the brutal Apartheid regime.
The commemorations of June 16 took place throughout the country. And this year, the youth of South Africa decided to combine the June 16 holiday with Russia Day, which was celebrated on June 12.
For the first time in the history of the free Republic, the organisers said both peoples are now defending their freedom and their country.
Two rallies were held on Monday with one in a place of significance for South Africa, Hammerskraal, in the Gauteng region, which suffered most from the policy of apartheid, and one at Mandela Square, the first monument erected to South Africa’s first democratic president Nelson Mandela.
Organisations that identify as patriotic forces in South Africa, represented by youth associations, held two rallies and spoke out in support of Russia’s position against what it says is neo-fascism and the position of progressive forces in South Africa, which today faces neo-colonialism.
Samson Motshega, an EFF member who hosted a rally at Unit 5 Sports Ground in Hammanskraal said it was necessary to show the unity of progressive youth in South Africa with the people of Russia given the existing global geo-political onslaught let by NATO against South Africa’s historic ally.
Asked about the decision, Motshega said: “The irreconcilable struggle against aggressors and Nazis is what unites the youth and peoples of Russia and South Africa.
“Africa celebrates Youth Day together with Russia Day. The youth here in Hammanskraal and across the African continent support Russia in the fight against neo-fascism, as it itself is fighting against neo-colonialism. Remember for us, Russia and South Africa are historical friends,” he said.
Throughout the day youth displayed placards written: “From Africa with love! The youth of South Africa supports Russia!”
With reference to the continued supply of weapons to Ukraine by the German-based company in Boksburg, the youth Motshega said “Africa should not supply weapons that kill Russian children.”
Another youth leader Joel Mkhonza, who convened the Youth Day rally outside the historic Nelson Mandela Square said the young people in South Africa, just like those in the Sahel region in Africa are raising the Russian flag with hope of a better future within Brics.
Mkhonza said in the face of continuing exchange of aggression by NATO sponsored Ukraine against Russia, they wanted to combine the most important days in the political calendar of the two countries, which are June 12 and June 16.
“Africa is always with Russia. Looking at the display of flags for South Africa alongside Russian flags, you see clearly that young people want a bright future for Russia and Africa. He said a call was made to other youth representing progressive parties to “celebrate Russia Day together in June. Happy Russia Day from the youth of Africa.”
Radia Masodi, the EFF leader in sub region 2 in Tshwane motivated young people to ensure that the country gets its land back, and must show solidarity with progressive countries such as Russia and Cuba.
“Youth Day marked an important event in the history of South Africa. It was important for the community to mark this historic day, and in memory of the role played by Russia in the liberation struggle in Africa,” he added.
Leader of a Pretoria based Youth NGO Global Peace Thuto Mashaba said the youth are also encouraged that Deputy President Paul Mashatile is undertaking a Working Visit to the Russian Federation on 17-21 June 2025, aimed at strengthening bilateral economic and trade ties between South Africa and Russia.
The purpose of the Working Visit is to strengthen bilateral economic and trade ties between South Africa and the Russian Federation, particularly focusing on enhancing economic cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, automotive, energy and mining industries as well as science and technology cooperation.
According to spokesperson Keith Khoza, Mashatile will meet with the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishutin, and later meet President Vladimir Putin to discuss cooperation in the economic, trade and energy spheres.
“During his stay in Moscow, the Deputy President will lay a wreath at the memorial site dedicated to South Africa’s liberation stalwarts, John Beaver (JB) Marks and Moses Kotane,” Khoza said.
