Learn about Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum
Hector Pierterson Memorial showcases the events that occurred on June 16, 1976.
The Hector Pieterson Memorial and museum opened in Orlando West in 2002, not far from the spot where 12 year-old Hector was shot on the June 16, 1976 during the Soweto uprising.
On the morning of Wednesday, June 16, pupils in Soweto assembled in school grounds before beginning their march to Orlando Stadium where a protest against Afrikaans was to be held.
On the way, not far from Phefeni Junior Secondary School on Vilikazi Street, Hector Pieterson joined a group of several thousand scholars.
After a brief stand-off, police opened fire and the photograph of a dying Hector Pieterson, cradled in the arms of a fellow pupil with his terrified sister running beside them, flashed around the world.
This image, taken by news photographer Sam Nzima, became a symbol of the resistance against apartheid.
Today, June 16 is commemorated as Youth Day.
Events of that fateful day are remembered at the Hector Pieterson Museum.
On the walls of this museum in Soweto are enlarged photographs of the events of that day as they unfolded with extensive commentary together with audio-visual presentations.
From this Soweto museum it is a short walk along a tree-lined avenue to the fine restaurants and Mandela House National Heritage site on Vilikazi Street.
Hundreds of tourists and residents visit the museum to learn more about the happenings of the 1976 Soweto Uprising.
