As South Africa prepares for the Independent Electoral Commission’s (IEC) Voter Registration Weekend on 20 and 21 June, the Liaison Bishop for Youth and Young Adults of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC), Bishop Siphiwo Paul Vanqa SAC, has called on young people to honour the sacrifices of previous generations by registering to vote and participating actively in the country’s democratic life.

In a video message released as part of a civic participation campaign led by the SACBC Justice and Peace Commission in partnership with Citizens ZA, the IEC and the SACBC Youth Office, Bishop Vanqa reflected on the significance of this year, which marks the 50th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising of 16 June 1976.

Addressing the youth of South Africa, the Bishop recalled that the uprising, though sparked by opposition to the imposition of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction in schools, formed part of a much broader struggle for freedom and human dignity.

“While June 16, 1976, was a rebellion against the use of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction in our schools, it was part of the broader national struggle for liberation,” Bishop Vanqa said.

He noted that the liberation struggle was not only a fight against apartheid, but also against racism, the dispossession of land and freedom, and the denial of citizenship and political rights to the majority of South Africans.

“1994 marked not only the end of apartheid but ushered in the right of all citizens of this country to be able to vote for leadership and for their leaders,” he said.

The Local Ordinary of Queenstown Diocese reminded young people that the right to vote, often taken for granted by younger generations, came at a great cost.

“This critical right to vote was fought for, suffered for and died for before the millions of the oppressed masses of this country could be free to cast a ballot paper, voting for a government of their choice,” he said.

The message comes amid concerns over declining youth participation in elections in recent years. Through the current initiative, the Church and its partners seek to encourage informed and responsible civic engagement, particularly among young Catholics, while maintaining a strictly non-partisan approach.

The partnership, which began in late 2025, has brought together various Church structures, including the SACBC Justice and Peace Commission, the Johannesburg Archdiocesan Commission for Justice and Peace, the SACBC Youth and Young Adults Ministry and the SACBC Communications Office. Together with Citizens ZA and the IEC, they are promoting voter education through parish bulletins, social media campaigns and digital tools that enable young people to check their registration status, update their details and access voter information.

For Bishop Vanqa, however, the question of voting goes beyond electoral procedures. It is also a matter of memory and gratitude.

“When you go and register to vote and go and vote for this country’s new government, you will not only be making use of your legitimate right, but you will be acknowledging the blood, sweat and tears of the many heroes and heroines, dead and alive, who lived, dreamed, suffered and died for your right to be able to vote in your free and democratic South Africa,” he said.

As South Africa commemorates the courage of the young people who marched in 1976, Bishop Vanqa urged today’s youth to make their voices heard through peaceful and democratic participation.

“Once again,” he said, “I urge you and encourage you to go and register to vote.”

The IEC’s Voter Registration Weekend will take place nationwide on 20 and 21 June 2026.