16 June 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the Soweto uprising and presents an important opportunity to reflect on the events of that time and their impact on our lives today.

Wits Art Museum presents two bodies of work as part of this reflection, a short film by independent South African filmmaker Kevin Harris, and a photographic essay by cinematographer Paul Laufer, the Chief Photographer in 1976 for Wits Student newspaper.

Kevin Harris’s film 'Silent Witness' is comprised of footage from his extensive archives and is structured through historical interviews with people who witnessed the devastating events of 16 June 1976, featuring photo-journalist Peter Magubane; student leader Murphy Morobe; Rand Daily Mail newspaper editor Raymond Louw; family members and colleagues of social worker Dr Melville Edelstein; Hector and Antoinette Pietersen’s mother Mrs Dorothy Molefi; Mbuyisa Makhubu’s mother Mrs Nombulelo Makhubu; and John Rees and Peter Storey from the South African Council of Churches (SACC).

'Wits 76' is a substantial photographic essay by Paul Laufer, the Chief Photographer at the time for Wits Student newspaper. The essay comprises images of schools in Soweto taken for a newspaper assignment in late May 1976, and photographs taken a few weeks later in Braamfontein of Wits students protesting in support of the Soweto school students: mass gatherings on campus; crowds being addressed by anti-apartheid activists; poster demonstrations on the streets; protest marches; student spies and government informers; counter protesters; the police reaction and the university's official response.

Together 'Silent Witness' and 'Wits 76' offer additional perspectives to existing narratives of that time. 

• The exhibition is curated by Julia Charlton. 
• Free parking for the exhibition is available in the garage beneath the museum.
• The last day to view the exhibition is Saturday 20 June 2026.
• Museum hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 – 16:00
• Entrance is free and all are welcome.
• For more information on the show and museum please email Julia.Charlton@wits.ac.za