George Khoza Secondary School honours and remembers the bravery of the youth of 1976
The honour and remembrance of June 16, 1976, at George Khoza Secondary School on June 15. Teachers and learners outside the school started by singing and marching in the streets of Dobsonville.
George Khoza Secondary School commemorated the June 16, 1976 uprising with a day of honour and remembrance on June 15.
Teachers and learners began the commemoration by singing struggle songs and marching through the streets of Dobsonville before returning to the school for the official programme.
School principal Malcom Magau said the purpose of the event was to give the school’s alumni an opportunity to share their experiences of the 1976 uprising.
Photo: Tsengela Muedi
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“Through the media we always hear stories about Orlando High School and others, but there is no mention of this school’s role in the uprising. This is an opportunity for the Dobsonville community to hear those stories,” he said.
Magau added that one of the school’s greatest needs is a hall.
“When we want to hold parents’ meetings, it depends on the weather. If it is raining, we have to cancel because we always meet outdoors,” he said.
Photo: Tsengela Muedi
June 16 veteran Maseko Mokoena said the school urgently needs a hall and paved walkways.
“During winter and the rainy season, the school cannot even hold assemblies. The classroom roofs are also falling apart, and the school needs help,” he said.
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Fellow June 16 veteran Reggie Leburu said June 16 remains a significant day in his life because of the hardships experienced during the struggle.
“I want today’s children to see this day as a milestone because apartheid was not easy at all. Its effects have not completely ended because we are still witnessing tribalism,” he said.
June 16 veteran Kealeboga Maphunye reflected on the challenges he faced growing up in Dobsonville.
“I survived brutality, torture and arrests, and I lost friends who were shot and killed. It wasn’t easy, but I fought, continued my studies and became the person I am today,” he said.
Photo: Tsengela Muedi
George Khoza Secondary School learner Kelebogile Dibakwana said learning about the events of June 16 has given her a greater appreciation for the sacrifices made by previous generations.
“Being a learner and studying the subjects I am studying reminds me how privileged I am. I feel very happy and thankful to the people who sacrificed their lives for us,” she said.
