16 June 1976, 50 Years After: Fight Unemployment

Friendly and comradely greetings,

We are pleased to share the latest edition of the Bench Marks Foundation Bulletin (Issue 41/ June 2026), titled “16 June 1976, 50 Years After: Fight Unemployment!” reflects on the enduring legacy of the 1976 Youth Uprising and what it means for today’s struggles for justice, dignity, and equality.

This month’s edition explores how communities across Southern Africa continue to organise around environmental justice, youth leadership, labour rights, and the protection of mining-affected communities.

Inside this edition:

• 50 Years After June 16: Reflecting on the unfinished struggle for dignity, decent work, and social justice.
• Unity Beyond Borders: Voices from Botswana and South Africa on solidarity, migration, and youth leadership.
• Youth and Climate Justice: Young people leading environmental action in mining-affected communities.
• Tailings Rehabilitation Webinar: Key insights on the urgent need to rehabilitate abandoned mine waste and protect community health.
• Community Spotlight: Meet the Vukani Environmental Movement and their work advancing environmental justice in Mpumalanga.
• Upcoming Online  Dialogue: Join us on 2 July 2026 as we discuss how communities can protect the Maledu and Baleni Judgments and strengthen Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC).

Together, these stories remind us that the struggle for justice did not end in 1976—it continues wherever communities organise for dignity, accountability, and a just future.

📎 Please find the full Bulletin attached: Bench Marks Foundation Bulletin – Issue 41 / June 2026

We encourage you to read, engage, and share widely.

In solidarity,
Bench Marks Foundation