Memorial garden unveiled to celebrate local hero’s legacy

A garden unveiling ceremony was held in honour of the late Dan Sechaba Montsitsi on June 12 at Sekano Ntoane High School. Montsitsi was a leading figure in the 1976 student uprising. He was arrested, tortured and imprisoned on Robben Island after the Soweto 11 Trial and continued serving the people as an MP and through many initiatives.

Joseph Mashinini, principal of Sekano Ntoane High School, said that the school was honouring one of the leaders of June 16 who attended Sekano Ntoane High School.

“The Class of 2026 came up with the idea of celebrating June 16, 1976, by creating a garden and a wall to honour Dan Montsitsi,” he said.

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Pumlani Xaba, a community representative, said that Sekano Ntoane not only produced struggle and liberation heroes, but also community leaders, football stars, businessmen and businesswomen.

“In 2023, we launched the Sekano Ntoane Heritage Project to preserve the school’s history,” he said.

Xaba added that, as they unveiled Dan’s memorial garden, they should also reflect on how each of them would remember him.

Daphine Nkosi, a former 1976 student leader, said that the youth of 1976 did not wake up seeking immortality and did not carry weapons, but books.

“Today we remember Dan, a son of the community, a son of Sekano Ntoane, and a member of a generation that understood that each question was not to be answered merely to pass an examination, but to claim dignity, humanity and a future,” she said.

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Nkosi added that they were planting the garden to remember Dan and that it was very important for everyone at Sekano Ntoane.

Khauhelo Montsitsi, the son of Dan Montsitsi, said that today’s youth should learn from the great leaders of 1976 and all the leaders who attended Sekano Ntoane.

“Nothing should stop the youth. No matter what challenges come your way, what dangers you face or what peer pressure you encounter, nothing should stop you,” he said.

Montsitsi added that it was a true honour to see what Sekano Ntoane was doing for his father and that he believed everyone at Sekano Ntoane would take care of the garden.

Dimpho Mdluli, RCL president of Sekano Ntoane, said she felt excited and grateful to be the president of the school.

“I feel excited and grateful to be the president of this school because not all schools in Soweto have heroes, and every learner and staff member will forever cherish the greatness of our historical leaders,” she said.