- Aug 19, 2004
- 173
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On this day in 1976, students of Orlando West, Soweto staged a protest against the imposition of Afrikaans as the language of instruction in township schools. It is estimated that there were about 20, 000 students. The police were called in. Tear gas was fired and police dogs were set on the protesters. Eventually police drew their revolvers and started shooting. It is estimated that up to 500 people were killed, and thousands more injured. There is still no consensus on the exact numbers. Whenever I think of this my heart falls to the ground. Every time I watch "Sarafina!" I cry.
