Latest news with #BlackConsciousnessMovement
eNCA
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- eNCA
Celebration of activist and artist Molefe Pheto
LONDON - The "Molefe Pheto at 90 Celebration" will be held at the Soweto Theatre. It will be in honour of the musician, teacher, poet, novelist and activist in the Black Consciousness Movement. Pheto became a political prisoner under the 1963 Terrorism Act and was held at the notorious John Vorster Square Police Station in Johannesburg. He left the country in 1977 after the murder of Steve Biko by the apartheid police, making Britain his home in exile. Pheto's memoir was banned under apartheid but was released in 1983 by a London publisher. Professor Eugene Skeef, artistic director of the "Molefe Pheto @90 Celebration" and fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, had a discussion with eNCA on this upcoming celebration.
eNCA
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- eNCA
Celebration of activist and artist Molefo Pheto
LONDON - The "Molefe Pheto at 90 Celebration" will be held at the Soweto Theatre. It will be in honour of the musician, teacher, poet, novelist and activist in the Black Consciousness Movement. Pheto became a political prisoner under the 1963 Terrorism Act and was held at the notorious John Vorster Square Police Station in Johannesburg. He left the country in 1977 after the murder of Steve Biko by the apartheid police, making Britain his home in exile. Pheto's memoir was banned under apartheid but was released in 1983 by a London publisher. Professor Eugene Skeef, artistic director of the "Molefe Pheto @90 Celebration" and fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, had a discussion with eNCA on this upcoming celebration.
The Citizen
17-06-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Hector Pieterson's sister calls on today's youth to find a cause
What has changed in education since 1976? Hector Pieterson's sister Antoinette Sithole arrives at the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, 16 June 2025, to give a lecture on her brotherwho was shot dead by the apartheid police on 16 June 1976. Picture: Nigel Sibanda/ The Citizen Antoinette Sithole, sister of June 1976 uprising shooting victim, schoolboy Hector Pieterson, says her generation is sad to see the behaviour of today's youth. They take weapons to school, attack their teachers and fellow pupils, and abuse drugs on the school premises, she noted. 'To me, the meaning of Youth Day is how to tackle your own problems. As youth, you should be out there writing placards to say 'we are tired of gender-based violence'. As parents, we will support you. 'Make a bold statement. You will be supported by billions out there in the world,' she said. Sithole said she had long ago decided to forgive the killers of her brother, Hector. 'I am on the side of those who say it's best that I don't know the person who killed my brother, because I want everything in my life to be positive,' Sithole said. Sithole was addressing an audience that included youths from different cultural backgrounds and political activists to commemorate the 49th anniversary of the police killings of pupils protesting against Afrikaans being used as a medium of instruction in black schools. She will be 66 on 28 June. What are today's youth fighting for? Another panel speaker at the event, Dr Tshepo Moloi, head of the department of history at the University of Johannesburg, related the plan to organise the 1976 uprising under the auspices of the South African Students Movement linked to the Black Consciousness Movement. Moloi made a comparison between the youth of 1976 and today's youth, saying the former were activists while questions linger about the influence today's youth have on change. However, a guest, Esinako Ndabeni, noted that the #FeesMustFall student activists played a significant role in bringing about change in the education system. Remembering Hector Sithole remembers her younger brother, Hector, as a shy but naughty little boy who once got her into trouble with train security guards. Sithole went on the train with her brother frequently, but he would ask her not to buy their weekly train tickets to school and instead to keep the money. They managed to get free rides a few times, but on the third day, she was caught by the security guards while trying to escape. Hector had already escaped and was waiting for his sister, laughing and dancing. The guards accused her of teaching her brother not to pay for tickets. Although she managed to convince the security guards to let her go, she gave her little brother a tongue lashing and vowed never to try to wangle a free train ride again. Hector, who was close to their mother, loved kung fu movies, and his hero was Bruce Lee, whose films he would watch repeatedly every weekend. 'Hector was very humble and not talkative. I know that comrades see Hector as a struggle hero, but I don't share that view. 'To me he was just my brother. He shouldn't have been there in the first place. 'He was in the wrong place at the wrong time when he was shot by the police,' Sithole said. Still taught in Afrikaans She said the 1976 generation opposed Afrikaans because it was the language of the oppressor. 'We hated Afrikaans because the owner of that language was our oppressor. We felt we were oppressed by the Afrikaners. Now we have to be instructed in their language. No way,' she said. On the 49th anniversary of the 1976 uprising in which scores of pupils were killed by police and hundreds injured, Sithole said it was shocking that pupils today still have to pass Afrikaans to proceed to the next grade. She believed the language should have been taken out of the syllabus by the democratic government and replaced with a language from other African countries. 'We thought our education would be the best after all that happened. 'But I am not a politician, it's not for me to tell them what to do,' she said. Sithole, who was 16 and doing form 3 (now grade 10) at Phefeni Senior Secondary in Orlando when the 1976 student uprisings occurred, related how she found her 13-year-old brother on the other side of the pavement while police were shooting. He came to her side, but when the police fired more shots, the boy disappeared in the crowd and they were separated. Later she saw student Mbuyisa Makhubo, then 18, carrying her limp brother's body running past her. She followed him and asked who he was and where he was taking her brother, but Makhubo kept running and put Hector in a journalist's car. They took him to the clinic, but he was already dead.
IOL News
07-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Ramaphosa honours Dr. Tshenuwani Farisani: A tireless freedom fighter
President, Comrade Cyril Ramaphosa, delivers the eulogy at the funeral of Reverend Dr. Tshenuwani Simon Farisani, paying tribute to a fearless freedom fighter, principled leader, and servant of the people in Venda, Limpopo. Image: ANC/X President Cyril Ramaphosa has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Dr Tshenuwani Farisani, hailing him as an extraordinary leader, revered cleric, and tireless anti-apartheid activist whose legacy will endure for generations. Speaking at the official funeral held at the University of Venda in Thohoyandou, Limpopo, Ramaphosa joined dignitaries, mourners, and family members in celebrating the life and impact of the revered Lutheran minister. Dr Farisani, a prominent figure in the Black Consciousness Movement, dedicated his life to justice and liberation, enduring persecution for his convictions. 'When he was released and went into exile to the United States, he could have easily put the entire experience behind him and led a quiet life,' Ramaphosa said. His unwavering commitment to freedom led him to serve in Parliament and, later, as Speaker of the Limpopo Provincial Legislature in 2004. He passed away at the age of 76 following an undisclosed illness. His contribution to South Africa's democracy and spiritual life remains indelible. Additionally, Ramaphosa said Farisani campaigned against the Apartheid regime abroad. 'When Venda was proclaimed a so-called independent homeland by the Apartheid regime, he was one of those who were outspoken in his opposition. Even when this brought him into conflict with church leaders in his circuit. His activism continued into the democratic era,' he said. Meanwhile, before Ramaphosa could deliver his eulogy, Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba honoured the memory of the late liberation hero, Farisani, describing him as a fatherly figure and a pillar of the community. Ramathuba reflected on his lifelong solidarity with the poor, noting that he not only served them but chose to live among them, embodying the values he preached. Farisani, she added, was a principled and steadfast member of the South African Communist Party (SACP), and his legacy as a spiritual leader and freedom fighter will continue to inspire generations. [email protected] IOL Politics
The South African
05-06-2025
- General
- The South African
Gayton McKenzie pays tribute to Rashid Lombard
Home » Gayton McKenzie pays tribute to Rashid Lombard Gayton McKenzie has described the late Rashid Lombard as a storyteller who was unafraid to document South African history. Image: UWC Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has described the late Rashid Lombard as a storyteller who was unafraid to document South African acclaimed photographer, cultural activist, and jazz promoter passed away peacefully on Wednesday at the age of 74, surrounded by his loved ones. 'Rashid Lombard was more than a photographer. He was a storyteller and freedom fighter who used his camera as a weapon for justice. He captured truth when others looked away, showing the world our pain, pride, struggle, and strength. Rashid gave us history and memories that speak louder than words. Today, we honour a true artist who told our story with heart, honesty, and deep respect. South Africa has lost a giant,' the Minister said in his tribute to Lombard. Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the country had lost a cultural icon who not only documented the history of the struggle for freedom but made history in his own right. Rashid Lombard who was laid to rest according to Muslim rites on Thursday morning, was born on 10 April 1951 in North End, Gqeberha. He relocated with his family to Cape Town in 1962. He initially trained as an architectural draftsman and later pursued a career in industrial photography, beginning his professional path at the construction firm Murray & Roberts.'As a young boy in the Eastern Cape, he lived in a community where people of all races coexisted. Black, White, Coloured, Indian and Chinese families shared neighbourhoods, exchanged stories and formed bonds that apartheid later sought to destroy. It was a glimpse of what a united South Africa could be.'The arrival of apartheid brought violence and forced removals. Families were relocated based solely on the colour of their skin, and many of Lombard's childhood friends disappeared, never to be seen again. 'This trauma deeply affected him and heightened his awareness of injustice. These early experiences, along with the Black Consciousness Movement, inspired his lifelong commitment to justice and equality,' the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture said. He chose to fight not with weapons but with his camera. During South Africa's struggle for liberation, he worked as a freelance photographer and television sound recordist. His lens witnessed history, capturing the pain, courage and hope of a people longing for freedom. He documented key moments such as the growing democracy movement in the 1980s, Nelson Mandela's release in 1990, and the first democratic election in 1994. His images reached global audiences through major outlets like Agence France-Presse, the BBC and NBC, offering the world a powerful view of South Africa's journey. 'As democracy took hold, Rashid Lombard turned his energy to jazz, another lifelong passion. He held leadership roles at Fine Music Radio and P4 Smooth Jazz Radio before founding espAfrika in 1997. Through this company, he launched the Cape Town International Jazz Festival in 2000, directing it until 2014. 'The festival grew into one of Africa's largest and most respected cultural events, showcasing local talent alongside international stars and putting Cape Town firmly on the global jazz map.'Even after retiring, he remained committed to preserving South Africa's cultural heritage. He undertook the important task of digitising his extensive photographic archive, a project begun by his late wife, Colleen. Working with the National Archives and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, he ensured the collection would be accessible as a national treasure. His family continues this vital work today,' the Ministry 2010, he published 'Jazz Rocks', a photographic tribute curated by the late George Hallett. The book captures the spirit, energy and connection of jazz through Rashid's distinctive lens. In 2014, Rashid Lombard was honoured with the National Order of Ikhamanga in Silver. This prestigious award recognised his exceptional impact on the arts, cultural preservation and the global celebration of South African jazz. Post your condolences for Rashid Lombard below, by … Leaving a comment below, or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
