Paying homage to a fallen hero
OPEN letter to Mayor Patrica de Lille:
On the morning of March 30, 1960, a young teenage UCT student, in shorts, led a 30 000 strong march from Langa Township to the city of Cape Town in protest against the infamous Pass Laws.
His name was Philip Kgosana, leader of the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) in the Western Cape. A few days earlier, the Sharpeville Massacre of March 21, followed by the killing of scores in Langa Township as in other parts of the country, had gripped not only South Africa but rest of the international community, and the Apartheid government that morning of March 30, 1960, had declared a state of emergency.
As the marchers, the biggest ever in the history of South Africa, peacefully made their way from Langa on De Waal Drive, unknown to them, the security forces were mobilising in readiness. Reaching the city with young Kgosana at the head, a tense and volatile scene was set for the worst confrontation between the marchers and the security forces ready to fire into the huge crowd setting off massive retaliation of blacks against whites of the city.
Right there in front of Caledon Square Police Head Quarters, implored by the commander in charge, Colonel Terblanche that he (Kgosana) disperse the crowds with assurances that he and leaders of the march would remain behind and be afforded the opportunity to present their demands, Kgosana obliged and addressed the marchers who heeded his call.
Though, after the crowds dispersed, treacherously, he was instead arrested.
In his passing, the best tribute – to him and a legacy for present and future generations – the City of Cape Town can bestow, is in finally making the decision to re-name De Waal Drive, the route of that historic match into “Philip Kgosana Drive”.
For his indomitable spirit, bravery and passion for equality, freedom and a better education, that a statue of Philip Kgosana be erected in the space of Cecil Rhodes.
That Kgosana’s highest motivation and struggle to realise his people’s return to the land that in his later life he passionately pursued as a farmer, the city establish the “Philip Kgosana Agri Park” to serve as a model and pilot for youth training and empowerment in agriculture.
We trust that you as the mayor, his erstwhile former comrade in arms in the PAC in exile, and the city, as you hold a special memorial in his honour, shall also announce the city’s support for these legacy initiatives in his name for which we shall ensure in particular, private sector and public support.
An associate of Kgosana, MK Malefane, survived the March 21, 1960, Sharpeville massacre. He built the Mendi Memorial at Avalon Cemetery, Soweto, officially unveiled by Queen Elizabeth II and president Nelson Mandela in March 1995. He is the first black wine producer with a 1 000ha farm in the Western Cape and is an independent film producer.
MK MALEFANE Custodian: Mendi Legacy, Lobbyist, Investment and Development Consultant