Mbeki lays wreath at memorial

2001-06-16 12:24

Johannesburg - President Thabo Mbeki on Saturday morning laid a wreath at the Hector Peterson memorial in remembrance of the victims of the June 16, 1976 uprising.

Youth Day on Saturday marks the 25th anniversary of the bloody riots.

The wreath-laying ceremony followed a march from the Morris Isaacson School in Soweto which was lead by Mbeki, who only arrived back in the country overnight from a four-day state visit to the United Kingdom.

The march retraced the footsteps of Soweto youths who on that fateful day were protesting against the compulsory use of Afrikaans as the medium of instruction in black schools.

Marchers on Saturday sang liberation songs as they headed towards the memorial, which marks the site where police opened fire on the protesting youths. Peterson was the first to die in the ensuing violence.

Several cabinet ministers, including Justice Minister Penuell Maduna and Minister in the Office of the President Essop Pahad, as well as Gauteng premier Mbhazima Shilowa accompanied Mbeki at the head of the march.

Inkatha Freedom Party leader and Home Affairs Minister Mangosuthu Buthelezi joined Mbeki at the memorial.

Sports stars, including Proteas cricketer Makhaya Ntini and former Bafana Bafana captain and Leeds United star Lucas Radebe were also on hand.

Later on Saturday, the president will address the gathering at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto.

His address will be followed by a number of activities which will pay homage to the hundreds killed and wounded during the bloody revolt.

Several other rallies will be staged throughout the country on Saturday to mark Youth Day.

- SAPA