Hastings Ndlovu

Hastings Ndlovu, (1961 – June 16, 1976) was a black Soweto schoolboy who died in the Soweto uprising against the apartheid system.

Little is known about him, but on June 16, 1976, when the police opened fire on Sowetan scholars protesting against being forced to learn Afrikaans in school, he took the first bullet. Hastings Ndlovu's shooting and later death was not publicized as was Hector Pieterson's, because there was no photographer present to shoot a picture of the boy.

First Fatality?

There is some doubt as to who was the first fatality, as Hector Pieterson was pronounced dead upon arrival at the clinic, whereas Hastings Ndlovu died from bullet wounds to the head shortly after being brought to the clinic. The 15 year old lapsed into a coma and never recovered. The doctors were unable to save his life due to the seriousness of his wounds. It is still not clear who died first, Hector Pieterson or Hastings Ndlovu, but it is likely that Pieterson was the first death on that day.

Hastings Ndlovu was survived by his parents, three sisters and brother. His sisters left the country soon after June 16, but returned to Johannesburg a few years later.

Hastings Ndlovu was buried with Hector Pieterson at Avalon Cemetery in Johannesburg.