Pupils learn importance of Youth Day commemoration
SPANISH philosopher George Santayana once said that those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.
It was with this sentiment in mind that the South End Museum Trust extended an invitation to Nelson Mandela Bay schools to learn about some of the country’s heritage ahead of Youth Day tomorrow.
Youth Day, a holiday in South Africa, commemorates the protest which resulted in the Soweto uprising of 1976.
On June 16 1976, children from Soweto protested against the use of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction in schools. Many died from police gunshots.
The iconic picture of a wounded Hector Pieterson being carried in the arms of Mbuyisa Makhubo‚ while Hector’s sister‚ Antoinette, ran beside them, became the global image associated with the uprising.
South End Museum administrator Colin Abrahams said pupils needed to understand the significance of the Soweto uprising.
“They stood up against being taught in Afrikaans. It is not that we have got anything against Afrikaans, it’s one of the official languages,” he said.
“But there are certain dates on the calendar that we must know why it is important to celebrate them.”
Abrahams told the pupils to celebrate the unique and diversified attributes the country has to offer.
“You must remember your heritage and the site where the museum stands – remember forced removals,” he said.
“People were removed from their homes in the past and you need to know about that. You don’t know how your parents, grandparents and ancestors suffered in the dark days. I want you all to think about that.”
Hanief Francis, 14, a Grade 10 Woolhope High School pupil, said the talk was inspirational.
“I learnt that no matter what community you come from everyone has a talent,” he said.
Esihle Mthombeni, 13, a Grade 8 Cowan High School pupil, said she associated Youth Day with Pieterson.
“There is a lesson that one can take from the past. Education is key to everything and, secondly, Afrikaans is still part of our language” she said.