The events of June 16 1976 in Soweto continue to shape our lives and 40 years later we still feel the pain. The events of this day four decades ago shook the foundations of the apartheid government and spurred the liberation organisations into action that culminated in the democratic elections of 1994.The sacrifice made by those Soweto pupils tells us that it is possible to topple a giant and stop it in its tracks if there is will and determination.As we celebrate the efforts of those who took to the streets in search of a better future, we should not forget the pain that many parents endured to keep their families together when the government worked relentlessly to break their resistance.Today we can stand tall and are free to speak out against our government.We can take to the streets without fear of being shot.We can criticise our leaders without fear of being arrested.Our people paid the ultimate price for this freedom and we cannot allow it to be taken from us by those who are today comfortable with the status quo.Fighting for the freedom to be heard and to criticise cost pain and bloodshed.Let us be vigilant and not allow any of our hard-won rights be taken away by people immersed in factional politics whose intention is to keep us blindfolded.This government was democratically elected but that does not mean it cannot abuse the mandate it has been given.As we strive for a better future, let no one impose a brand of politics on us that tries to exclude sections of our society.The courageous pupils of 1976 paid a high price for our freedom and we cannot betray their legacy.We should urge our leaders to work harder and remind them that they are serving us - not their bank accounts.As we prepare for local government elections in a few weeks' time, we demand better quality leadership across the board...