The year 2026 marks the 50th Anniversary of the June 16, 1976 Sowetostudent uprising — a pivotal moment in South Africa’s struggle againstapartheid and the eventual achievement of democracy. On that day,schoolchildren protesting against Bantu Education and the imposition ofAfrikaans as the medium of instruction were met with brutal violence. Theiconic image of Hector Pieterson’s lifeless body carried through the streetsshocked the world and galvanized international solidarity against apartheid.

To commemorate this historic event, theRosa Luxemburg Stiftung – Southern Africa seeks to commission a filmmaker toproduce a documentary that captures the testimony of key witnesses, survivors,and families, highlighting the tragedy, sacrifice, and courage of those whoshaped South Africa’s path to freedom.

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Project Scope

The documentary will:

• Present the testimony of principal witnesses and survivors.
• Include complementary accounts from families and community members.
• Incorporate historical archive interviews, audio, and visual material documenting the struggle against apartheid.
• Highlight the moral courage of some of the people involved.
• Include a narrative of reconciliation, symbolizing the need to heal the past in order to build a future for generations to come.

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Deliverables

• A feature-length documentary film.
• Integration of archival footage, interviews, and historical materials.
• A promotional screener for distribution and awareness campaigns.
• Final production ready for broadcast, educational use, and international screenings.

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Requirements - tender submissions must include:

• A detailed production plan and methodology.
• Demonstrated experience in historical/political documentary filmmaking.
• Access to or ability to license archival materials.
• A proposed budget and timeline.
• Team credentials and evidence of prior relevant work.

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Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be assessed on:

• Proven expertise in documentary production.
• Sensitivity to historical and cultural context.
• Creativity in storytelling and witness testimony.
• Cost-effectiveness and feasibility of delivery.
• Commitment to ethical representation of historical events.

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Submission Details

Interested parties are invited to submit their proposals by 14 May2026 to: fredson.guilengue@rosalux.org

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