‘We need to move forward and build this nation’

JUNE 16, 1976, changed the life of Antoinette Sithole forever.

Sixteen years old at the time, she is the girl seen running beside Mbuyisa Makhubo, who is carrying the bleeding 12-year-old Hector Pieterson, in the iconic photograph taken by photojournalist Sam Nzima.

Today (Wednesday, June 28) Antoinette Sithole celebrates her 59th birthday and the  Bellavista resident shares her story with us.

The events of June 16, 1976

Although she wasn’t expecting what would unfold on the day, Antoinette said the death of her brother, Hector Pieterson, had a huge impact on her life and that of her family. People often call her a celebrity, a legend or, sometimes, an icon.

“However that doesn’t mean I have to be big-headed. Everyone, when they meet me, want to know what really happened on that fateful day. Though people read the books, newspapers and internet or watch television, they also want to know how I feel about the whole situation.

“I must say, my heart is still tormented; however, what comforts me is that it was not only Hector who died on the day. Many people died, even though some are not as prominent as him. They played a pivotal role.

“This also taught me that even if you are a nobody, you can change the situation at hand. Hector was there out of curiosity. As a 12-year-old, he wanted to know what was happening. To me that shows heroism in him. You know, as adults, we don’t want children to see bad things; however, he wanted to know and see what was happening, so I don’t know whether it was fate or death calling him.

“I’m glad I saw him alive and in death. Remember, we were about 20 000 on the day, and it was not easy to locate your loved ones. It was sheer luck that I witnessed what happened. Think of other parents who until today do not know what happened to their children. I thank the Almighty for allowing me to have that moment with Hector.

What does June 16 mean to you?

“That day changed my life because I still talk about it even today. To me it’s like I’m reciting a poem. You can find me asleep and ask me about that day and I can tell you what happened chronologically.”

Your way forward and the motivation to go on

“I called myself a missionary, public speaker and tour guide, because schools, companies, tourists and independent individuals call me to talk about June 16.

“I must say I get healing from talking about it. It encourages me because I can see the impact I have on other people.

“This shapes us as a nation because we can see where we come from and the way forward. History is very important to us.

“It is easy to distort history. In my mind I always say I am here for a reason; I am here to tell people the truth because I was there. To tell them what I saw, not hearsay. Because we were many, people might say anything haphazardly. I see people are more comfortable when I talk to them. Even those who were puzzled, they appreciate my account of the events on the day.

“When people see me it gives them hope. I remember when I do my talks that people are amazed to see me. Some thought I am an old woman with a walking stick, but when I tell them that’s me beside Mbuyisa Makhubo carrying Hector Pieterson, they are shocked.”

Peace and reconciliation

“People will go to the Apartheid Museum and come out filled with anger and hatred for the former government. However, I try to calm them down by telling them that it is in the past and we need to go forward and build this nation.

“Inner peace is very important because even for me this was a big burden, but I told myself that we need to come together and pave the way for the new generation, so that the death of Hector and others were not in vain.”

Family and living in the South

Antoinette, like many other Southerners, is worried about crime in the area. She said the police alone cannot curb crime.

“We need to go deep and ascertain what the real cause of crime in this area is. Maybe it is unemployment or people are just messing around with other people’s lives.

“I remember when I first came here, I had about six white neighbours who were very close friends. I used to brew sorghum beer for them. We would sit around here at home and enjoy life. However, that is not the case now, because people are isolated.

“Family is very important in my life, my children are my friends, and even my neighbours who now are my friends.

“I have been interviewed all my life, but most people do not ask me to tell them more about myself. I am a joyful person who likes jokes; I can challenge anyone when it comes to jokes because I know I am the best. I also work hard and I am deep thinker and a passionate and strong woman.”

On Sam Nzima

Antoinette also spoke about her relationship with Sam Nzima, who took that iconic photo.

“We are close, though sometimes we don’t see eye to eye when it comes to that photo he took 41 years ago. Whenever we want to use the photo, we must contact him, and he stated clearly that the photo must not be used for any commercial purposes.

“It is amazing that we no longer have any photos of ourselves as youngsters, because journalists who interviewed me took them, so for the Hector Pieterson Foundation we used one photo where he was four years old.”

Five fast facts:

• Antoinette Sithole was born June 28, 1959

• Hector Pieterson was born on August 19, 1963

• Antoinette has lived with her family in Bellavista since 2000.

• She has three children: Hector (36), Vusi (28) and Nonhlanhla (25)

• Sam Nzima was working for World News when he took that iconic photo. He later went to Post.

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