The commemoration of June 16 uprising will serve as an inspiration to future generations as it continuously reminds them of the role played by them in the liberation struggle.

Since June 16, there has been much progress made towards tilting the balance of forces in favour of the majority in particular the working class. Various laws have been passed by the democratic government which ensure that opportunities are created for young workers to exploit.

The pioneers who engineered the above-mentioned changes are those of the June 16 detachment amongst others in the course of their struggle, are constantly mindful of the sacrifices made by those who were incarcerated, banished, exiled and perished.

Some of the older generation are currently occupying high profile positions in the corporate sector and government sector and through them, programmes are being put in place through learnerships to accommodate young workers into the mainstream of the economy in the sectoral education training authorities (Setas).

Jacob Mthimunye, Johannesburg Central Local