There was a slight change to itinerary and the group headed to Hector Pieterson Museum next. This museum is dedicated to the 1976 student uprising in Sowento. There is a memorable photo of a young man carrying the body of 13 year old Hector Pieterson while his sister runs along beside. It was a powerful museum especially since it was mainly dedicated to the youth movement during the times of apartheid. I was filled with inspiration and hope for the youth of today.
While in the museum, we heard that Hector's sister (Antoinette Sithole), the one in that famous photo, was at the museum. She was happy to speak with us after we finished touring the museum. It was extraordinarily moving to hear her recall the events of that June afternoon. She commented that she was just as interested to hear our interpretations and questions as we were to listen to her story. Wow! I can't believe I was able to sit there and listen to this women recall, from firsthand experience, such an important event from history...The bus ride home was silent as we attempted to process what we had just heard...however we did have a chance to drive by the houses of Desmond Tutu, Winnie Mandela, and Nelson Mandela. Additionally we saw the shantytowns of Soweto that were built as a result of the removals of blacks from the city of Johannesburg.
We had the rest of the afternoon off, which was good since most of us were walking around like sleep-deprived zombies who just got off an emotional roller coaster:-) Early start on Saturday at Teboho Trust...can't wait to work with the learners there and meet the support community!
No comments:
Post a Comment