Correct me if i am wrong, but amongst many townships that played a significant role in the attainment of democratic South Africa, townships that shook the apartheid regime, such as Soweto, Langa, Mamelodi, and Alexandra, Sharpeville remains the one lagging behind in terms of development and infrastructure.

This year marks the 66th anniversary of the Sharpeville Massacre, a turning point in South Africa’s liberation struggle.

On March 21, 1960, apartheid forces opened fire on peaceful protesters demanding the basic right to freedom of movement, resulting in 69 deaths and hundreds of injuries. The victims included men, women, and children, many of whom were shot in the back while fleeing.

Today, the Sharpeville site stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a global symbol of the enduring fight against oppression, yet visiting the township leaves one emotionally dejected.

Tsoana Nhlapo, a prominent activist, the “Sharpeville Six”, Vaal Professionals, Augustine Makalakalane, Bull Lehoko, former SABC Head, Phil Molefe, radio bigshot, Thabo ‘Tbo Touch’ Molefe, the Sharpeville Swingsters Jazz Band, the late Choirmaster, Conductor, Music Composer and Writer, D.K Khunou, the late Musician Nana, ‘Coyote’ Motijoane, all these names, to mention but a few, are synonymous with Sharpeville, but there is nothing to show for it.

Oh, and more recently, the Pirates’ young stars, Rele Mofokeng and Tshepang Moremi.

For the struggles of its forefathers, Sharpeville has nothing to show; sewerage runs through the streets, crime is rife, many of its people, young and old, are unemployed, and poverty is the norm.

Today, Sharpeville remains a vibrant but economically challenged community.

Several individuals from the township have achieved national and international recognition in sports, activism, and the arts, but unlike Soweto, Langa, and Alexandra stars, Sharpeville’s stars seem to be the ones mostly ‘forgotten’.

Important facilities and tourist attractions, something that the community could be proud of, and make a living from, are either damaged or neglected, only to be remembered around this time, March 21.

2026 is a milestone year, marking 30 years since the signing of the Bill of Rights into law, an event that also took place in Sharpeville, yet its people, particularly young people, also seem to be forgotten.

The Gauteng government has committed to advancing dignity, equality, and social justice.

Talk is cheap!

This commitment, as the provincial government promises, should indeed be translated into action through strengthened service delivery, prioritising reliable access to water, healthcare, electricity, and inclusive economic participation (employment), which will ensure township growth.

Trust me, we understand the weight of our history and the importance of March 21.

But, like me, the people of Sharpeville have had enough of the yearly repetition of government activities at this time, which leaves them with nothing but miserable lives at the end of the day.

All they want is change!

As we commemorate the 66th anniversary of the Sharpeville Massacre, let us remember that those that are left behind. The children of those who died, their grandchildren, their great-grandchildren, and their great-great-grandchildren.

They need to live better lives!

The people of Sharpeville want crime in the area to be dealt with efficiently, they want to be employed, and they want basic and constant services.

Now you tell me, yes, you tell me, is this too much to ask for?

Are the people of ‘Swingsters’ asking for too much ?

I beg to differ!

Lerato wa ha Serero…