Sons of Nelson reimagines Sarafina

Laone Choeunyane | Tuesday June 16, 2026 10:37

For Akoonyatse, the inspiration came from a fascination with moments in history when ordinary people are called upon to make extraordinary choices.

'What drew me most was the courage of young people who refused to accept injustice as normal,' she said. 'Their stories continue to resonate because they remind us of the power of collective action and the importance of protecting human dignity,' she added.

Inspired by the spirit of the iconic musical Sarafina!, the production is not a retelling but a reimagining. Akoonyatse said the idea emerged from her admiration for the film and a desire to imagine a conversation between today's youth and the youth of 1976.

'As I revisited the story, I began wondering what a conversation between today's youth and the youth of 1976 might feel and sound like,' she explained. 'From there, the concept of letters crossing borders began to form,' she stated.

Through music, movement and storytelling, Sons of Nelson follows students and ordinary citizens caught in the struggle against apartheid, capturing the urgency and youthful energy that defined a generation. Akoonyatse wears multiple hats in the production as writer, director and performer, taking on the role of Whoopie, a teacher who helps guide the story, while also serving as an omnipresent narrator who moves between scenes, connecting the past with the present.

While Botswana was not under apartheid rule, the country played an important role as a refuge for exiles and freedom fighters. The production reflects this shared regional history, highlighting how the struggle against injustice resonated across borders and inspired solidarity throughout Southern Africa.

At its heart, Sons of Nelson seeks to humanise the young people of 1976 and the sacrifices they made.

'History can sometimes feel distant, but these were real students with dreams, fears, ambitions and families,' Akoonyatse said. 'I hoped audiences would leave with a deeper appreciation of their sacrifices and an understanding that the freedoms we enjoy today were hard-won,' she said.

Audience responses have been overwhelmingly positive, with many attendees sharing personal memories, family stories and reflections after the performance. For Akoonyatse, the reaction affirmed the production's ability to connect generations through a shared understanding of history and its continued relevance today.

With Sons of Nelson: Letters From Across The Border, Akoonyatse continues to use theatre as a platform for remembrance, reflection and dialogue, reminding audiences that the voices of young people remain as powerful today as they were fifty years ago.