The Hector Pieterson Museum, one of Soweto's earliest museums nestled in the heart of Orlando West, has recently been honoured with an outstanding museum award. Prince Dube, Chief Curator at the Hector Pieterson Museum, revealed that the museum clinched the top spot in the outstanding museums category at a prestigious award ceremony held in Sandton. Other nominees in contention included the Olivenhuis Art Gallery and Kader Heritage Lodge.
The esteemed Cultural and Creative Industry Awards, under the auspices of the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture, hosted the event.
Dube expressed how the award has infused renewed vigour among museum staff, leading to a surge in visitor numbers. "The award has truly reignited our team's enthusiasm. Despite our modest team size, everyone consistently goes the extra mile, and this recognition has further galvanized our efforts," remarked Dube. "Moreover, it has had a tangible impact on visitor engagement," he added.
Highlighting the significance of the achievement, Dube underscored that the museum's triumph occurred during the inaugural edition of the awards. "Securing this accolade in the inaugural ceremony adds another layer to our historical significance," he emphasised.
Adjacent to the Hector Pieterson Memorial, the museum resides within a precinct declared a National Heritage Site. Since its inception in 2002, the museum has been steadfast in its mission to honour the memory of the 1976 Soweto Uprising.
Named after Hector Pieterson, one of the uprising's first casualties, the museum commemorates his legacy and the iconic photograph capturing his final moments, immortalised by Mbuyisa Makhubo. Shot by Sam Nzima, this image became synonymous with the Soweto Uprising, resonating globally as a symbol of resistance.
Through a rich tapestry of television footage, audiovisuals, and photographs, the museum meticulously narrates the narrative of the uprising, shedding light on the plight of the students involved. Its compelling narrative attracts a diverse array of international and local visitors, including esteemed personalities such as former presidents Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki, Jacob Zuma, Barack Obama, and Robert Mugabe.
Operating hours are from Tuesday to Sunday, between 10:00 and 17:00.
International visitors are charged a nominal fee of R58, while locals pay R23.
On 16 June, commemorating the Soweto Uprising, admission is free.
Written by Brümilda Swartbooi
20/05/2024
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