The courtyard of the Commercial School was almost empty. A few students passed by with notebooks under their arms. Mario observed the old murals and asked:
“"Professor, after that tense period you described, how did the change begin?"
What made the people awaken?”
Mahlemba replied with a calm look: “The awakening began with work and education, Mario. Between 1945 and 1960, cities grew, and with them new roles emerged for Africans. Those who previously could only work in the fields or on construction sites began to become foremen, teachers, carpenters, nurses. Manual labor became a source of pride—and knowledge, a weapon.”
Mario was taking notes. "But were there schools for everyone?"“
“Not even close,” said the professor. “Education was limited and controlled. Most schools were run by religious missions. There, one learned to read, to write, to pray, and, discreetly, to think. Many missionaries, even without saying so openly, planted the seed of conscience—they taught dignity and justice through faith.”
“"So the change began inside the classrooms?"”
“And outside of them too,” Mahlemba replied. “The worker repairing a machine, the nurse healing with patience, the catechist teaching values—they all began to realize that the country only functioned because they worked. And when a man understands his worth, fear begins to disappear.”
The bell rang, calling the students to their evening class. Mahlemba looked at the building and concluded: “It was here, Mario, that the true spirit of independence was born—not in arms, but in conscience. Every lesson, every tool, every borrowed book was a form of silent resistance.”
Mario smiled. "So freedom began in the hands and minds, before it reached the speeches."“
Mahlemba nodded. “Yes, Mario. Freedom begins when the worker understands that he is the one who moves the world.”
Final message: Work was the first cry. Education, the second.
And together they taught that independence is not born from revolt—it is born from awareness.
