A Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) dialogue marked Youth Day by examining the historical trajectory of youth struggles in South Africa. The discussion focused on comparing activism during the apartheid era with current challenges faced by young people. Key themes included ongoing issues of inequality and social exclusion impacting South African youth. The event aimed to understand how youth activism has evolved over time, reflecting shifts in the country’s socio-political landscape. Organizers sought to draw parallels between the 1976 Soweto Uprising and contemporary youth movements. The dialogue provided a platform to analyze the continuities and discontinuities in youth demands and strategies for social change. Ultimately, the HSRC event highlighted the enduring relevance of youth voices in shaping South Africa’s future.