27 February 2007
The Hector Pieterson statue finds its home in the 'Sandton City of Soweto'
Saturday 17 February 2007 saw another step taken in the path to reconciliation on the humble grounds that birthed some of the greatest heroes of the liberation struggle. The Maponya Mall in Soweto underwent a baptism of goodwill when it bore testament to the unveiling of the Hector Pieterson statue. The statue of Hector Pieterson created by sculptors Kobus Hattingh and Jacob Maponyane is a gesture of friendship and a symbolic gift for the people of Soweto on behalf of the Thanda Foundation and Dr. Mathews Phosa.
The Thanda Foundation was established by Dan and Christin Olofsson in 2005 as a non-profit organisation through which to raise funds for its community initiatives. The decision to erect the statue at Maponya Mall was taken on account of the impressive profile of the new shopping centre and its certainty as the future gathering place for the people of Soweto, most notably the youth. Described as the ‘Sandton City of Soweto’ Maponya Mall is the first of its kind in the region; its prime position in the bustling suburb of Pimville will ensure that millions of people have the opportunity to see the statue in its new home. Symbolically the statue of Hector Pieterson is a visual statement to the youth of South Africa that everything begins with a dream, that anything can be achieved through unwavering solidarity.
Co-sponsors Dan Olofsson and Dr. Mathews Phosa extended their sincerest thanks to Richard Maponya for providing the platform of goodwill and setting an ambience of generosity. The “godfather” of Soweto who has established himself as the leader of black retail in South Africa provided some awe-inspiring words for a very privileged audience. Amongst the high profile guests at the event were the exuberant Dr. Nthato Motlana, Sibongile Mkhabela, and Dorothy Molefi (Hector Pieterson’s mother) who assisted the with the unveiling of the statue.
Dr. Phosa’s address reflected on South Africa’s achievement in having created a liberated socio-political space. He articulated the importance of each South African moving beyond the mindset of The Struggle in order to move toward a fully reconciled society. His sentiments that the events of June 16 1976 and all that ensued in South Africa thereafter highlighted the triumph of personal liberation, and the realisation that the sacrifices made on that day affected everyone living in the country. He raised the pertinent point that despite the fact that The Struggle “was primarily, but not exclusively, a black thing, liberation is neither black nor white.” It was in the spirit of a liberated society, that the Thanda Foundation chose the home of Hector Pieterson to honour the youth of South Africa with its gift.
The intention of the statue, as conceived by the Thanda Foundation, was to celebrate the life and opportunity the young people of South Africa are entitled to enjoy. The Thanda Foundation recognises the unity and solidarity demonstrated by the youth in and around the events of June 16 1976 and lauds their achievement as a symbol of the possibilities that lay before each liberated individual. The statue has been created to honour not only Hector Pieterson, but everyone who contributed towards the new South Africa.
For further information, please contact Victoria Smith by telephone: (011) 465-0765 or e-mail: Victoria.Smith@thanda.co.za
Saturday 17 February 2007 saw another step taken in the path to reconciliation on the humble grounds that birthed some of the greatest heroes of the liberation struggle. The Maponya Mall in Soweto underwent a baptism of goodwill when it bore testament to the unveiling of the Hector Pieterson statue. The statue of Hector Pieterson created by sculptors Kobus Hattingh and Jacob Maponyane is a gesture of friendship and a symbolic gift for the people of Soweto on behalf of the Thanda Foundation and Dr. Mathews Phosa.
The Thanda Foundation was established by Dan and Christin Olofsson in 2005 as a non-profit organisation through which to raise funds for its community initiatives. The decision to erect the statue at Maponya Mall was taken on account of the impressive profile of the new shopping centre and its certainty as the future gathering place for the people of Soweto, most notably the youth. Described as the ‘Sandton City of Soweto’ Maponya Mall is the first of its kind in the region; its prime position in the bustling suburb of Pimville will ensure that millions of people have the opportunity to see the statue in its new home. Symbolically the statue of Hector Pieterson is a visual statement to the youth of South Africa that everything begins with a dream, that anything can be achieved through unwavering solidarity.
Co-sponsors Dan Olofsson and Dr. Mathews Phosa extended their sincerest thanks to Richard Maponya for providing the platform of goodwill and setting an ambience of generosity. The “godfather” of Soweto who has established himself as the leader of black retail in South Africa provided some awe-inspiring words for a very privileged audience. Amongst the high profile guests at the event were the exuberant Dr. Nthato Motlana, Sibongile Mkhabela, and Dorothy Molefi (Hector Pieterson’s mother) who assisted the with the unveiling of the statue.
Dr. Phosa’s address reflected on South Africa’s achievement in having created a liberated socio-political space. He articulated the importance of each South African moving beyond the mindset of The Struggle in order to move toward a fully reconciled society. His sentiments that the events of June 16 1976 and all that ensued in South Africa thereafter highlighted the triumph of personal liberation, and the realisation that the sacrifices made on that day affected everyone living in the country. He raised the pertinent point that despite the fact that The Struggle “was primarily, but not exclusively, a black thing, liberation is neither black nor white.” It was in the spirit of a liberated society, that the Thanda Foundation chose the home of Hector Pieterson to honour the youth of South Africa with its gift.
The intention of the statue, as conceived by the Thanda Foundation, was to celebrate the life and opportunity the young people of South Africa are entitled to enjoy. The Thanda Foundation recognises the unity and solidarity demonstrated by the youth in and around the events of June 16 1976 and lauds their achievement as a symbol of the possibilities that lay before each liberated individual. The statue has been created to honour not only Hector Pieterson, but everyone who contributed towards the new South Africa.
For further information, please contact Victoria Smith by telephone: (011) 465-0765 or e-mail: Victoria.Smith@thanda.co.za