A large band of school children gathered in Orlando, Soweto (and other areas), mobilized one another to march against government’s imposition of Afrikaans as universal medium of learning. On that day at least 600 students died and thousands were wounded while close to 12 000 fled the country.

Chairman and Managing Director of Kaizer Chiefs, Kaizer Motaung took time to pay tribute to the heroes and heroines of ‘our time’ who took it to the streets as a sign of protest against the apartheid regime.

A Soweto born himself, Kaizer remembers the day as if it was yesterday, “It is a day that I will never forget in my life time as the school kids took it to the streets on that fateful day as a protest to the Apartheid government.

The event might have happened 33 years ago but it left dreadful scars to the people of Soweto and all those who were affected around the world.”

“The day has become more significant after 1994, it reminded all South Africans in particular the youth of the role they have played in building a society we all proud to be part of. Our children today have better opportunities and there is more integration of all races making South Africa a cosmopolitan country.

It was moving to see the majority of our young people cueing in polls during the last democratic elections. This is to me a good sign that youth is indeed interested to what is happening in the country,” said Motaung.

It was during the Soweto Uprisings that Kaizer Chiefs on lost one of the inspirational players and captain, Arial “Pro” Khungoane.

“Pro Kungoane was not only a leader in the team during the early 70s but he wanted to make a difference in the society and it was during the Soweto uprisings that we parted ways with one of the few gifted sons of Amakhosi.

I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the Kaizer Chiefs Family and pay tribute once more, to all the fallen heroes and heroines. It is through their devotion to the struggle that today we are enjoying the fruits of hosting a FIFA Confederations Cup and the FIFA World Cup next year.

As we go to the stadiums on Tuesday, let us all take a bow and salute all those who have sacrificed their lives in fighting for a better life for all,” added Motaung.