Remember Sharpeville, Langa as PAC commemorates victims

Younger supporters had a responsibility to preserve this part of history

FOR Kwedi Mkalipi, 83, March 21 marks not only his birthday but commemorates the day he and thousands of others embarked on a nationwide anti-pass campaign, that would forever be remembered as the Langa-Sharpeville massacres.

The PAC commemorated the 57th anniversary in Langa yesterday, where hundreds of supporters joined veterans in remembering the day three were killed and 26 injured in Cape Town, and 69 people were killed and 180 seriously injured in Sharpeville.

Mkalipi was joined by veterans Dagama Mngqibisa, 87, Mongezi Saqidi, 67, and Mandla Tshabalala, 71, who were politically active during the 1960s.

“We were school boys and we couldn’t celebrate my birthday as we were being chased by the police.

“That day they beat and shot at us because we were angry and because we had had enough of being treated like we were second class,” said Mkalipi.

Gathering at the the site of the massacre where the Robert Sobukwe Monument stands, PAC president Luthando Mbinda placed a wreath in remembrance.

The procession marched through the township to Langa Cemetery.

Tshabalala said he was heartened by the large number of young people in attendance, as they were the ones taking up issues that needed to be addressed after 23 years of democracy.

University student Zukisa Banzi, 23, felt it was important to remember both massacres and to have the veterans in attendance.

He said the younger supporters had a responsibility to preserve this part of history and never forget those who lost their lives.

Mbinda addressed supporters in the Langa Civic Hall.

“We are keeping the government accountable as there are those who have enriched themselves while the majority of our country lives in poverty.

“In the recent fees protests, you can see how this government reacts when they are put under pressure and we will continue to do so,” said Mbinda.

He said the PAC owed its existence to the veterans and its ongoing growth was evident by the large number of young people in attendance.