On 16 June 1976, thousands of Soweto pupils took to the streets to protest against the compulsory use of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction in black schools. By the time the sun set, the township was on fire and dozens of children lay dead.

Two years later, 11 student leaders entered a Johannesburg courtroom charged with terrorism and sedition. They faced the death penalty. In what became known as the Soweto 11 trial, the state sought to place its version of June 16 on record. The accused, however, put apartheid itself in the dock.

Behind the June 16 Uprising are many stories of courage and brutality, of sacrifice and survival, of tragedy and triumph.

In News24's special project, we look at what June 16 meant in 1976 — and what it means today. Through the voices of those who were there and those who inherited its legacy, we reflect on the uprising that helped bring apartheid to its knees.