Memory Walk re-enacts historic 1976 march

27 June 2016

 

Memories of the June 16 1976 students’ march from Soweto's Naledi High School – which ended in a bloodbath a few hours later when apartheid police opened fire on the young demonstrators – were rekindled on Sunday June 26 during a re-enactment of the historic event, evoking deep and strong emotions in the process.

 

“It happened 40 years ago but I remember it clearly, as if it took place only yesterday,” said an emotional 58-year-old Sydney Kunene. “It’s the day I’ll never forget as long as I live.”

The event, called Go Jozi Memory Walk and organised by the City of Johannesburg, was the last leg of the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the June 16 1976 Soweto student uprising that helped to fuel South Africa’s struggle for liberation. The symbolic march – which, significantly, took place on the 61st anniversary of the adoption of the Freedom Charter and coincided with the International Day Against Drugs – culminated in a lecture and intergenerational dialogue at Morris Isaacson High School in Central Western Jabavu.

Drugs are the biggest enemy facing today’s youth.

The memory walk, broadcast live on Lesedi FM, was led by bikers, members of the Regatammogo Sport Development and Life Skills and the South African Congress of Non-profit Organisations, City of Johannesburg councillors, educators and community members. It was punctuated by music, dance and aerobics. Some of the participants cycled between the two schools, which were at the forefront of the uprising 40 years ago.

Before the march, Naledi High School principal Kenny Mavutulana said he was proud of the role played by the students of 1976.

Councillor Blessing Bogopane said while the youth of 1976 fought against the use of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction today’s youth must fight against drug abuse.

“Nyaope, in particular, has been a menace to the country,” said Cllr Bogopane.

He encouraged residents to engage in physical activity to stay fit and healthy. Enos Ngutshana, one of the leaders of the 1976 uprising, called on today’s youth to emulate the Class of 1976 by showing discipline and respect to their teachers and elders.

Ngutshana, who was detained for two months during the uprising, condemned the burning of schools, clinics and libraries and described the actions as “madness”. He also urged the youth to fight against drug and alcohol abuse and teenage pregnancy.

Morris Isaacson High School principal Steven Khanyile also commended the students of 1976 for their “gallant” fight against Bantu education.