A Living Tribute to South Africa’s Young Heroes
In commemoration of Youth Day, MTN has partnered with a collective of some of South Africa’s most exciting young artists to launch “Carry Their Names,” a moving campaign that honours the students who lost their lives during the 1976 Soweto Uprising.
More than just a musical release, the project stands as a living monument to the courage, sacrifice and enduring legacy of the young people who helped shape South Africa’s fight for freedom. Through music, storytelling and digital innovation, the initiative invites a new generation to reflect on the significance of June 16 while ensuring the names of those who paid the ultimate price are never forgotten.
Powerful Conversations Set the Tone
The campaign was officially introduced through an intimate and thought-provoking roundtable discussion hosted by media personality Scoop Makhathini.
Joining the conversation were the featured artists alongside acclaimed singer-songwriter Zoe Modiga, who unpacked the legacy of Youth Day, explored the powerful relationship between art and activism, and reflected on what it means for today’s youth to carry forward the spirit of those who came before them.
The discussion created a meaningful platform for remembrance while encouraging young South Africans to engage with history through creativity and cultural expression.
A Powerful Collaboration of South Africa’s New Generation of Artists
“Carry Their Names” brings together an impressive lineup of artists whose individual styles contribute to a deeply emotional and inspiring tribute.
Naledi Aphiwe delivers heartfelt vocals that capture the emotional weight of remembering the fallen youth, while Bantu Nots adds rich cultural depth and harmonic textures that connect ancestral memory with contemporary sound.
Adding his unmistakable energy, Toss transforms remembrance into a celebration of resilience and youthful strength, while Roiii reinforces the campaign’s message through poignant lyricism that keeps the storytelling both urgent and deeply reflective.
Together, the artists create a powerful soundtrack that honours the past while speaking directly to the aspirations and responsibilities of today’s generation.
Ensuring History Is Never Forgotten
At the heart of the campaign is a simple but profound mission: to ensure that the young lives lost during the Soweto Uprising are remembered not as numbers in history books, but as individuals whose sacrifices changed the course of South Africa’s future.
By placing their names at the centre of the campaign, “Carry Their Names” bridges generations, connecting the heroism of 1976 with the voices of young South Africans today.
MTN Turns Millions of Phone Screens Into Memorials
In one of the campaign’s most innovative moments, MTN transformed millions of mobile phones across South Africa into digital memorials on June 16.
Instead of displaying the standard “MTN-SA” network carrier name, users saw the names of children who lost their lives during the 1976 Soweto Uprising appear on their phone screens.
The symbolic gesture turned an everyday digital touchpoint into a powerful act of national remembrance, ensuring that the legacy of the youth of 1976 reached millions of South Africans in a deeply personal and unforgettable way.
Keeping the Flame of 1976 Alive
By combining music, meaningful dialogue and innovative technology, “Carry Their Names” demonstrates how creative storytelling can preserve history while inspiring future generations.
The campaign serves as a reminder that the courage displayed by the youth of 1976 continues to shape South Africa today, ensuring that their names, their sacrifices and their enduring spirit remain alive in the nation’s collective memory.
Link to song: https://soldistro.lnk.to/CarryTheirNames
