WeeklySA_AdminREMEMBRANCE: The Tsietsi Mashinini Foundation, launched in honour of the fearless student leader who led the historic march on June 16, is planning a series of events to mark the upheavals…
By Nhlanhla Mbatha
Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the June 16, 1976 Soweto student uprisings.
Led by a then 19-year-old Tsietsi Mashinini, a matric student at Morris Isaacson high school in Central Western Jabavu, thousands of Soweto students that Wednesday morning took to the streets of the sprawling township, marching against the imposition of Afrikaans language as a medium of instruction.
By sunset that day, more than 400 people lay dead in the streets of Soweto, killed by gunfire from the police. More than 100 state-owned buildings and businesses owned by whites in the township had been torched and in ruins.
In the aftermath, Mashinini – who had become the enemy of the state – was on the run, with the media dubbing him “the Scarlet Pimpernel of Soweto” for evading a massive police dragnet launched in the wake of the conflagration. Police had placed a R500 bounty on his head.
Months later, the evasive Mashinini resurfaced in the UK, and later in the US, Botswana, Nigeria, Liberia and Guinea in West Africa. He was later romantically linked to a beauty queen Welma Campbell and their marriage produced two daughters, Thembi and Nomkitha.
Mashinini, who was born on January 27 1957, died mysteriously in Guinea in 1990 and his remains were returned to South Africa for burial.
To remember Mashinini, the Tsietsi Mashinini Foundation this week was officially launched at the June 16 Memorial Acre in Jabavu, setting the stage for a series of landmark events leading up to the Golden Jubilee celebrations.
The foundation, named after the iconic student leader, aims to honour his legacy by addressing modern-day social and economic challenges through community-driven programmes.
The foundation’s chairperson, Lebakeng Dee Mashinini, Tsietsi’s younger brother, said: “At just 19 years old, Tsietsi Mashinini led thousands of students in a peaceful march against the imposition of Afrikaans as the medium of instruction in black schools.
“The protest sparked a brutal response from apartheid police, igniting a nationwide revolt and propelling Mashinini into the international spotlight as a symbol of resistance”.
Five decades later, the newly-established foundation seeks to channel the spirit of resilience and courage of the youth of 1976 into inspiring a new generation of changemakers.
“This foundation is not only about remembering Tsietsi as a fearless leader,” Mashinini said.
“It’s about continuing his mission of empowering young people, challenging inequality, and investing in the future of our communities. As we approach the 50th commemoration of June 16, we want to do more than honour its history; we want to build on it.
“The launch also marks the beginning of national efforts to align stakeholders and activities for the upcoming 2026 commemorations. We will collaborate with schools, civil society, and government partners to ensure that the anniversary is not only reflective, but also forward-looking. We are building a platform where young people can lead again,” Mashinini said.
He added: “Just as Tsietsi stood at the frontlines in 1976, we want today’s youth to take their place at the forefront of shaping South Africa’s future.”
Mashinini said the 50th commemoration of the uprising will see the youth of today complete the historic march that was cut short by police gunfire.
“The original march was destined for Orlando Stadium, where Tsietsi Mashinini was scheduled to address 25 000 students who were already making their way there before being violently dispersed.
“As part of the anniversary, on June 16th next year, we will go back to the schools that played a central role like Naledi High, Sekano-Ntoane Secondary School, Musi High, Orlando High, Orlando West High, and Meadowlands High. We want to prepare today’s youth to lead the 50th anniversary march,” he said.
The foundation also plans to celebrate Mashinini’s birthday with a gala dinner in January next year. He would have turned 69-years-old.
MASHININI FAMILY FACT FILE:
• Joseph and Nomkitha Mashinini had 13 children, eleven boys and twin girls.
• First born was Mokete, known as Rocks, and Tsietsi was the second born.
• The rest are Lehlohonolo, Mpho, Dee, Moeketsi, Tsepiso, China, Dichaba, Elvis, Linda, Lindi and Bandile.
• Only five of the children are alive, they are Dee, China, Dichaba, Linda and Bandile.
