Distressing and illuminating

This is a wonderful piece of journalism. Sam Mahe has told the story of June 16 '76 without sentimentality or drama and in an unbiased and balanced way. But it still arrives like a punch to the solar plexus. The first 3 chapters that set the scene for the dreadful day, are a bit info-heavy and loaded with unpronounceable names. Bishop Tutu's letter to the government warning of coming trouble was the best part here. But Chapter 4 and some of what follows gave me new insight into our shameful past, and empathy with how the families of the children suffered. Mashinini was one of the 'struggle heroes' we lost who could have made a valuable contribution to what followed. He undoubtedly had the makings of an insightful and charismatic leader. I am pleased to have learnt about him, and to have a more complete understanding of that day than just the drama and headlines. An important and enlightening read that I highly recommend, even if you skim most of it and only really read Chapter 4.