The University of Limpopo is excited to announce that it will serve as the host for the highly anticipated grand premiere of the film titled “Studying Under the Barrel of a Gun.” This cinematic adaptation draws from the influential memoir of Mr. Ernest Khosa, who served as the Student Representative Council (SRC) President during the pivotal years of 1988/89 and 1989/90. The film not only stands as a crucial artistic expression but also offers a profound exploration into the essence of the Turfloop struggle, capturing the visceral emotions and historical significance of this formative period.
Turfloop’s Untold Stories Programme
Spanning 90 minutes, the film constitutes a vital step towards establishing a modern and sustainable archival ecosystem. The premiere will take place at the University and will also be screened simultaneously at Ster-Kinekor cinemas across Limpopo and Gauteng, ensuring a wide reach for this important narrative.
In conjunction with the film premiere, the University will host a symposium and panel discussion themed “The Cradle of Resistance: Our Heritage.” This event will occur earlier on the same day and will engage a diverse array of voices, including both former and current SRC leaders, members of the clergy, academics, traditional leaders, and other distinguished figures. Notable participants include Seth Mazibuko, Rev. Frank Chikane, David Makhura, Judge Phatudi, and Thembi Simelane, enriching the discussions with their invaluable perspectives.
The chosen theme serves as a strategic framework to position the University of Limpopo within the broader landscape of South African history and academia:
- A Birthplace of Consciousness: Recognising UL as the nurturing ground for the ideology of Black Consciousness, which significantly influenced social and political thought in South Africa.
- A Site of Sacrifice: Acknowledging the profound costs associated with the pursuit of freedom, highlighted by the brave sacrifices made by students and the disruptions in academic life that exemplified this struggle.
- A Heritage Institution: Affirming that the University stands alongside iconic historical sites such as Robben Island and Liliesleaf Farm, reinforcing its legacy in the fight for justice and equality.
- A Nerve Centre of Knowledge: Demonstrating that the resistance movement encapsulated not only physical struggle but also intellectual endeavors, which played a critical role in shaping the South African Constitution and the country’s democratic framework.
The date of this significant event, set for June 12, 2026, carries deep symbolic weight, aligning with several key national milestones that can be understood as the ripple effects of the resistance politics and intellectual activism originating from Turfloop.
Historically, the University of Limpopo has acted as a catalyst for broader national and international liberation movements, including the influential Viva FREELIMO initiative. The legacy of Turfloop extends into various sectors of society, impacting communities, educational institutions, places of worship, political organisations, and civic efforts.
This specific gathering also marks several important anniversaries:
- The 40th Anniversary of the SADF Occupation: Commemorating four decades since the 1986 National State of Emergency, which transformed the campus into a military stronghold. The film’s poignant title, “Studying Under the Barrel of a Gun,” directly references this turbulent era marked by state-sponsored repression.
- The 40th Anniversary of Josephine Moshobane: Honoring the sacrifice of student activists, particularly those whose lives were tragically cut short during the peak of resistance efforts.
- The 50th Anniversary of the June 16 Uprisings: Drawing a direct ideological lineage between the leadership from Turfloop, especially the late Onkgopotse Tiro, and the 1976 protests that irrevocably altered the course of South African history.
- The 70th Anniversary of the 1956 Women’s March to the Union Buildings: Celebrating this critical moment in South African liberation history while acknowledging the University of Limpopo’s role in fostering generations of women leaders, scholars, and activists dedicated to social change.
- The 40th Anniversary of the Constitution: Remembering the democratic ideals for which many from the Turfloop community fought valiantly, and reiterating the University’s ongoing commitment to promoting constitutional democracy through education, research, and engagement with the wider community.
This event aims to activate the University’s recent designation as a South African Liberation Heritage Site, which could serve as a significant form of institutional capital. By intertwining cinematic storytelling with high-level intellectual discourse, this initiative not only enhances UL’s brand equity but also strengthens alumni relations. Furthermore, it aligns with Goal 6: to improve the branding of the University of Limpopo while establishing robust partnerships within and beyond academic circles.
RSVP online using the link below
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Event Schedule
Date: 12 June 2026
Time: 14:00
Venue Onkgopotse Tiro Hall, University of Limpopo, South Africa
General Enquiries
Mr Comfort Kganyago
Email: Centraleventsoffice@ul.ac.za
Tel: (27) 015 268 2121/3288