Hector Peterson

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Hector Petersen, a 13-year old South African student is shot and killed during a massive demonstration to protest apartheid laws in South Africa. The photograph of the fatally wounded Petersen being carried from the scene appeared throughout the world. He became a symbol of the anti-apartheid movement. A generation later, June 16 is still a day of remembrance, particularly in Soweto, where Petersen was killed.

The name Hector Petersen symbolizes the 1976 student uprising in demand for an end to a discriminatory education system and specifically to be allowed to be taught in the language of their choice.

It took until June 16th 1976 to change it all. The phenomenon that was the 16th of June, amazed not only outsiders but insiders as well, because it was on such a large, indescribable scale.

Young people, who protested against the reckless abuse of human rights had to tolerate tear gas, swallow bullets and even had to die so that South African negroes could live in peace and harmony.

[edit] On June 16, 1976

This day left more than 566 people dead throughout the country. The children of Soweto were marching, protesting against being taught in Afrikaans. Firstly, they had used their African languages as their first language and English as their second, so learning in a new language would have proved more difficult. They also had to deal with ‘Bantu education’ which was already in effect. This kind of curriculum had limited them greatly in terms of proper education. According to Antoinette, Hector’s sister, he had had run into a hiding place during the shooting. She suddenly saw a young man carrying the body of her brother. She ran to him. Mbuyisa Mkhubo had found Hector and was trying to get him medical assistance. However, when they reached the clinic, Hector was pronounced dead.

The riots continued to spread throughout the country, resulting in hundreds of deaths and great political violence. These deaths were not only caused by the police shooting at the protesters but also by the trampling of the crowd. The picture of Mbuyisa carrying Hector’s body had been printed on news papers and broadcasted on television, for the whole world to see.

[edit] Hector Peterson Memorial

A Hector Peterson Museum has been built in Orlando West, Soweto, in honor of the young hero and in memory of the people who died in the riots. The memorial is located near to where he was shot by the police. It was built with the kind donation of R16-million from the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism and a donation of R7,2 million by the Johannesburg City Council. Antoinette now works at the museum.

It is also a major tourist attraction, which is wonderfully fused with modern technology and cultural history

[edit] External links

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