Soweto uprising relived
Fifteen schools visited the Sibikwa Arts Centre on Liverpool Road from May 3 to 20 to educate their pupils about the Soweto Uprising.
Sibikwa, which was founded in 1988, is a visionary arts centre that promotes quality arts education, theatre performance and vocational training in South Africa.
#June’76 Workshop was conducted by Lehlohonolo Dube and Mpumi Skhosana, who planned the workshop to educate pupils by demonstrating the series of events that took place, instead of reading about it.
There were two workshop sessions (held in the morning and afternoon) which were each divided into three sections.
The first section was a walk through a hall of fame where pupils learnt about Steve Biko and the struggle of the youth who fought for liberty and education.
The second section was footage of leaders during the Uprising who shared their struggles and stories.
The third section was where pupils were able to conduct their own miniature play to demonstrate their understanding of the struggle.
“We had about 500 pupils who visited the centre to learn about their history,” said Dube.
“We even had sessions where the hall was overflowing because so many children attended.”
The City Times joined Winnie Mandela (Tembisa) and Phulong Secondary (KwaThema) schools during the morning session on Friday, May 20.
“We brought the pupils to teach them to be grateful for their education,” said Winnie Mandela Secondary school teacher, Neo Segele.
“Education should not be taken for granted, because former generations fought for it.”
About 50 pupils in total attended the workshop ranging from grades eight to 12.
Also read: Recognising their work
