The SABC has planned a number of events to commemorate the 38th anniversary of the Soweto uprising, now known as Youth Day. The public broadcaster’s platforms such as SABC1 and its radio stations METRO FM, Ligwalagwala FM and 5FM are all involved in activities that include on-air competitions, a call to action to the 16 June events.
The day’s activities will kick off with the METRO FM Walk for Freedom, which gives the listeners an opportunity to retrace the steps of those heroes who fought for democracy as well as giving the youth of today an opportunity to experience what their predecessors went through. It will start at Morris Isaacson High School in Soweto at 7am. Entertainment for the day includes the SABC Choir led by the talented choral conductor, Thulasizwe Nkabinde. 5FM will be supporting sister station, METRO FM at the walk for freedom that ends at a school in Vilakazi Street and 5FM will do a live broadcast of the Nick Hamman show from 8am – 10am from Sakhumzi Restaurant in Vilakazi Street.
5FM and SABC 1 will host a Skateboarding For Hope event that will take place at Maponya Mall from 11am to 5pm. SABC 1 will cover the event on Mzansi Insider Breakfast show presented by Katleho Sinivasan) as well as Thando Thabethe (5FM). 5FM DJs Roger Goode, Ms Cosmo, Dineo and Poppy will play throughout the day. The station has partnered with the Kimberley Diamond Cup and the Skateboard for Hope Tour to set up a skateboard activation (ramp) and provide 5FM with branded skateboards for competition give-aways as well as set up a DJ area for 5FM.This SABC Radio station will promote the event on- air and encourage listeners to come down and get lessons to train on the ramps.
Ligwalagwala FM will be broadcasting in Soweto for the first time as part of the station’s strategy to increase its footprint outside the MP province. An SABC 1 and Ligwalagwala FM Youth Power Shisanyama at Chafpozi to honour the heroes of 16 June, and celebrate the Generation X (Born Frees) after 20 years of democracy, will take place from 12noon until midnight. Various METRO FM and Ligwalagwala FM DJs will play at the event, which will be hosted by SABC1 celebrities. The event will feature a Youth Fun Zone, poetry session and a live broadcast of the 12-6pm. Ligwalagwala FM shows with popular on -air personalities. Also performing will be Namia K, Dj Voodoo, The Prince and Buks.