1976: Reckoning with the past, shaping the future

As South Africa marks 50 years since the 16 June 1976 Soweto Uprising, UCT reflects on the enduring legacy of student activism and its role in shaping transformation, justice and belonging in higher education.

This documentary pays homage to the young people who challenged the apartheid government half a century ago, examining the unfinished work of transformation and asking what it means to build a truly inclusive university. 

Featuring reflections from UCT’s deputy vice-chancellor for People, Culture and Society, Prof Elelwani Ramugondo, alongside student activists Masixole Mlandu and Luhlanganiso Gcaleka, the film explores how the struggles of the past continue to shape a new generation’s pursuit of justice, equity and belonging. 

From the anti-apartheid student movements of the 1960s and 1970s to #RhodesMustFall, #FeesMustFall and #Shackville, student activism has repeatedly challenged exclusion, demanded accountability and forced difficult questions about the purpose of universities in a democratic South Africa.  

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