Reviving the Revolution with Gugulethu Mtshali’s Vision for Echoes of ’76”

In the dynamic landscape of youth empowerment in South Africa, few leaders stand out as prominently as Gugulethu Lethimpilo Mtshali, the visionary force behind Echoes of ’76. This organisation, deeply rooted in the historical legacy of the 1976 Soweto Uprising, embodies a modern revolution focused on enhancing the quality of education and empowering young people across the nation. With a mission that resonates with the courageous spirit of the youth who fought for their rights decades ago, Echoes of ’76 has quickly become a beacon of hope and action under Gugulethu’s leadership.Let us delve into Gugulethu’s inspiring journey, exploring how her unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and education is shaping a brighter future for South Africa. Through her leadership, Echoes of ’76 not only echoes the past but also paves the way for a generation ready to make a lasting impact on the world.This interview aims to explore the inspiration behind “Echoes of 76,” its core initiatives, achievements, and future goals as seen through the eyes of its founder, Gugulethu Mtshali.

How it all started

Question 1: What inspired you to start “Echoes of 76”? Was there a personal experience or event that sparked the idea?

 ” It was indeed an event that sparked the idea. I was in a meeting for the Global Shaper Soweto Hub. I was the curator at that time. Right now, I’m the Impact Officer, but yeah, I was the curator, and I asked around the table, ‘Guys, who are you voting for?’ This was just before the elections. The responses varied, with some saying they were voting for certain parties, while others were unsure or reluctant to share. That moment made me realise the need to create a platform where young people could come together and openly discuss politics and the impact of their choices. While planning an event around this idea, I thought, ‘Why not make this bigger?’ That’s how Echoes of ’76 started. It was supposed to be an event, but it grew into an organisation focused on quality education and political awareness among the youth.”

Question 2: The name “Echoes of 76” is quite powerful. Could you share what it signifies to you and how it shapes the mission of the organisation?

 “While I was thinking about the event, I was inspired by how the youth of 1976 quickly organised the Soweto uprising, which happened just a few days after their initial meeting. I resonate with their spirit of action, as I’m someone who believes in executing ideas quickly. The name ‘Echoes of 76’ reflects this spirit of urgency and determination. Our tagline, ‘the youth of 1976 reincarnated,’ signifies that we are carrying forward that legacy of action and fighting for a cause. For us, it means being an organisation of action, just like the youth of 1976 who fought for their education. We aim to continue that fight for quality education in various forms.”

Question 3: Can you tell us more about “Echoes of 76”? What are the core programs and initiatives that the organisation runs?

Question 4: How does the organisation engage with the youth? What are the key challenges you’ve encountered, and how have you addressed them?

“We engage with the youth primarily through social media, as we’re a digital organisation. Many of our participants find us through our online presence. Additionally, we make sure to be present at youth-related events to represent those who might not otherwise have the opportunity, particularly young people from townships like Soweto. One key challenge we’ve faced is clarifying that we’re not a political organisation, despite what our logo might suggest. We’re non-partisan and focus on educating young people about politics and decision-making without aligning with any political party.”

Achievements and Impact

Question 5: Since starting “Echoes of ‘76,” what are you most proud of? Are there any success stories or milestones that stand out?

 “There are many things I’m proud of, but the biggest achievement was hosting a pre-elections event at UJ in partnership with UJ and Global Shapers. Another significant milestone is securing an advisory board that includes Ntate Seth Mazibuko, a prominent figure from the 1976 Soweto uprising. His involvement is crucial because it connects us directly to the spirit of the youth of 1976. Additionally, I’m very proud of the ‘Girls Code’ initiative, as it aligns perfectly with our mission to enhance the quality of education.”

Question 6: How has the organisation evolved since its inception? Are there any unexpected outcomes or partnerships that have shaped its growth?

“Echoes of ‘76 has grown beyond my expectations, particularly in terms of partnerships. One surprising development is our partnership with Ikeja Wi-Fi, which is helping us impact communities in new ways. We’ve also become more of a social enterprise, balancing our NGO work with the realities of running a business. This evolution has opened up new opportunities for us to expand our reach and impact.”

“Don’t be afraid to send your proposals to big companies. God’s favour can open doors you never imagined. The most important thing is to take that first step.”

Question 7: What does the future hold for “Echoes of 76”? Are there any new initiatives or goals you’re working towards?

“I’ve been sharing this vision with many people. I pray that we open an academy, whether it’s Echoes College or Echoes Academy. I want it to be a place for students who are excluded from traditional education systems, whether due to financial constraints or because they prefer practical learning over a four-year degree. We want to be a gateway or service provider for these individuals. We’re also working on a library project, and overall, our focus will continue to be on education and youth empowerment. I believe that youth empowerment will become a solution to many of our country’s problems, and Echoes of 76 will play a significant role in enhancing education quality and reducing poverty.”

Reflections

Question 8: How do you envision the role of youth empowerment evolving in the next decade, and what role do you see “Echoes of ‘76” playing in that future?

“In the next decade, I see youth empowerment evolving into a powerful tool for addressing some of our country’s biggest challenges. Echoes of ‘76 will be at the forefront of this movement, acting as a catalyst for change. We’ve already started, and we plan to expand not only nationally but also continentally and internationally. Our role will be to continue enhancing education and empowering young people to take control of their futures.”

Question 9: What has been the most rewarding aspect of your journey with “Echoes of 76”?

“The most rewarding aspect has been seeing people get involved and watching their ideas come to life through our organisation. As a social entrepreneur, it’s fulfilling to see that Echoes of ‘76 is not just about me, it’s about empowering others. Knowing that I can step back and focus on other projects while the organisation continues to generate results is incredibly rewarding.”

Gugulethu Lethimpilo Mtshali and Echoes of ’76 embody a powerful call to action for the future, with their work not just honouring the past but actively shaping a brighter tomorrow. Through their unwavering commitment to improving education and empowering the youth, Echoes of ’76 is addressing some of South Africa’s most pressing challenges, carrying forward the spirit of the 1976 youth uprising. As Echoes of ’76 continues to expand its impact, it is essential for people to stay engaged with their journey and support their mission. Following them on social media provides an opportunity to stay informed about their latest initiatives and find ways to contribute to this crucial cause. The work they are doing is vital, and more young people are needed to join such initiatives, ensuring that together, We can create lasting change.