On 29 April, the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus came alive with the sounds and stories of South Africa’s past and present during a special collaborative broadcast between the campus, NWU FM and Motsweding FM.

The programme blended curated struggle songs with rich narration, unpacking their historical significance while drawing direct links to the challenges faced by today’s youth.

Listeners were not just passive audiences, but also active participants. Students shared personal reflections, emotions and memories evoked by the songs. A central question guided the discussion: How relevant are struggle songs to today’s youth?

Speakers and contributors highlighted that while past struggles may belong to history, many underlying issues persist in modern forms. Topics such as youth unemployment, inequality in education, gender-based violence and mental health pressures resonated strongly throughout the broadcast. The programme emphasised that struggle songs remain a powerful tool for expression, activism and unity.

Prof. Gilbert Motsaathebe, deputy dean for teaching and learning in the Faculty of Humanities, emphasised the living legacy of freedom songs. “It has been a great conversation reflecting on the importance and relevance of freedom songs in contemporary society. It was valuable engaging with the Motsweding FM presenters to unpack the subtleties of these songs and their continued place in our liberation history.”

He added that freedom songs are key because they are foundational. “They played a major role in mobilising our people during the struggle. When people sang, it was with unity of purpose, speaking and singing with one voice.”

Expanding on the discussion, Othusitse Maunatlala, a lecturer in corporate communication and visual communication, reflected on the emotional power of struggle songs. “The songs of freedom, or struggle songs, are very important because they can offer hope when all hope is lost, and serve as a bridge to better times,” he said.

“African songs are pillars of support that people can rely on for strength and hope. We don’t only sing; we also depend on rhythm and dance as part of expression and healing,” he concluded.

By connecting the legacy of resistance music with present-day realities, “Songs of Struggle, Voices of Today” not only honoured the past but also empowered a new generation to reflect, engage and find its voice in the ongoing journey toward social change.

From left are Nelly Moruri, Prof. Gilbert Motsaathebe, Othusitse Maunatlala, and Lucky "LTK" Komanisi.