This sculpture commemorates the life of Tsietsi Mashinini, a key young activist who led the 1976 Soweto student uprising.
Mashinini was a charismatic, theatrical student and leader. He was instrumental in organising and leading the student uprising, which led to him becoming the 1st president of the Soweto Students Representative Council to coordinate events after June 16th. In the days after the uprising, he evaded the security police by disguising himself in many ways — a stylish woman, a workman and a priest. Mashinini eventually went into exile.
Bronze statue of young activist mounted on concrete plinth with heritage plaque on the plinth. Mashinini has his right fist raised as a symbol of solidarity, which is a gesture seen in photographs of Tsietsi Mashinini that the artist Johannes Phokela used as reference when creating the sculpture.
The sculpture is located opposite the Morris Isaacson High School and forms part of the June 16 Trail through Soweto that traces the route taken by protesting students in 1976.
This sculpture commemorates the life of Tsietsi Mashinini, a key young activist who led the 1976 Soweto student uprising.
Mashinini was a charismatic, theatrical student and leader. He was instrumental in organising and leading the student uprising, which led to him becoming the 1st president of the Soweto Students Representative Council to coordinate events after June 16th. In the days after the uprising, he evaded the security police by disguising himself in many ways — a stylish woman, a workman and a priest. Mashinini eventually went into exile.
A culmination of research gathered over many years, the Online Johannesburg Heritage Register is being launched on Nelson Mandela Day 18 July 2025.
Among the many heritage sites featured is Chancellor House, the downtown offices of Mandela and Tambo Attorneys in the 1950s. After having been vacant and shuttered for more than a decade, this iconic building is being revived and brought to life once again as offices for the Community Development Department, which oversees the City’s Arts, Culture & Heritage Services.
