MAQUEEN LETSOHA-MATHAE
To some, 48 years seems like a very long time. In all fairness it is. However, for us who were old enough to witness the massacre that was 16 June 1976, it feels like yesterday. The eruption of violence, a result of provocation and cold-blooded murder by the apartheid regime, quickly spread across the country.
Tsietsi Mashinini, Khotso Seatlholo, Seth Mazibuko and many others may have been instrumental in getting students in Soweto riled up in defiance against the regime, but I am almost certain that they couldn’t have anticipated the hailstorm that was to follow, particularly in other areas across the country.
The tragedy of 16 June 1976 is that hate, which had been manifesting for years, showed its hand. It was a terrible sight.
School children were mowed down by grown men with live bullets. Those who escaped the grip of death were loaded into police vehicles and sent to prison. The infamous John Forster prison was the destination of choice for the nationalists government.
Those who were fortunate enough to be released walked out bearing scars, a result of vicious beatings masked as interrogation. Others may not have spotted scars, but mentally they were equally damaged.
Once active youth, those young men and women were now, in a matter of weeks, shadows of former energetic selves. A far cry from the youth who saw a bright future for themselves. Those young people had their entire childhood stolen right in front of them.
The brutality of the regime was in full display. Alcohol, drugs and other numbing products were the go-to substances to suppress the pain.
Parents were robbed of their children. Hundreds of young people’s bodies relocated to the cemetery. Orlando, Pimville, Naledi and many other townships who form Soweto were no longer their home townships.
Avalon cemetery became their permanent home. Others, quite literally, left their homes and fled to neighbouring countries to escape the constant harassment by the police.
Families were broken up and lives were destroyed. The haunting image of a dying Hector Pietersen in the arms of Mbuyisa Makhubo has remained a painful reminder of the events of that cold Wednesday morning.
I was old enough to understand the seriousness of the events of that day. I remember all too well the anger I felt, but in a strange way, I remember being more determined than ever before of a free South Africa where all would be equal irrespective of race, gender, class or religion.
The youth of our country demonstrated that day that they have the power to change the trajectory of the nation. They proved that with determination, no mountain is too high, no task is impossible and no challenge is insurmountable. The youth of 1976 demonstrated that not even the burning bullets can derail a mission whose time has come.
We hope that the sacrifices made by the youth of our country forty eight years ago will continue to inspire today’s youth to fight for what is right. It is our hope that today’s youth realises that, much as they are allowed to let their hair down, have fun, and be allowed to enjoy their youth, there is so much more to life than excessive alcohol consumption and what is normally referred to as “groove.” Now, more than ever before, South Africa needs her youth.
The country needs skilled young people to take it further. As government, we are prepared to aid those determined to achieve their dreams. In remembrance of the ’76 class, let us strive to empower the youth of our province. Let us work together to ensure that our youth realise their dreams.
Let us work together.
I thank you.
Download Here:
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
________________________
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube
#centralnewsza #freestate