On the 16th of June 1976, students took to the streets in protest and rallied for the right to quality education in the townships of Soweto.

The initially peaceful march ended in violence and tragedy, captured by the highly iconic photograph taken by Sam Nzima of 12-year-old Hector Pieterson dying in the arms of fellow student, Mbuyisa Makhubu. Youth day is commemorated annually and has been dedicated to students who lost their lives on that day as well as to the impact the youth had in the struggle against oppression.

A highly emotive public holiday in South Africa – companies have taken the time out to pay tribute to the youths who have fought the good fight, challenged the system and continue to do so in present day South Africa.

Everlytic has joined in and every employee has made an effort to come to work kitted in their school uniforms as so many of the protestors did 36 years ago. Most surprising is that so many had kept their uniforms after all these years! Those who could, willingly dusted off blazers, ties and squeezed into jerseys for a good cause.

Everlytic loves a good cause, part of the reason for initiating the Tech for Schools campaign early in 2011. The sponsorship programme for schools is doing well and is passionately championed by the company.