Gugulethu (our pride) Poverty, oppression and overcrowding characterized life in Gugulethu under the apartheid rule.
The schools were not equipped and under funded. The housing lacked both electricity and proper plumbing up until the 1980's. In 1976 during the uprisings Gugulethu students protested against the use of Afrikaans as the first language in schools.

On 3 March 1986, seven young activists were ambushed in a roadblock set up by police in NY-1 Street. The "Gugulethu Seven" as they are known, is one of the most callous examples of security forces operations.

On 25 August 1993 Gugulethu became the focus of the international media when American student Amy Bielh was attacked and killed by a mob of students returning from the political rally. T
he matter was brought before the Truth and Reconstruction Commission under Bishop Desmond Tutu and later, the killers were granted amnesty.