In May 1976 learners at Phefeni Junior began boycotting classes in protest at the imposition of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction. Protests spread to Belle Primary, Thulasiswe Higher Primary, Emthonjeni and Khulangolwazi Higher Primary School. On June 16 all schools were to pass via Phefeni Junior en route to the destination of the march. It was near Phefeni Junior that police began shooting and using teargas against students.