Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Ms. Faith Mazibuko on Saturday, 29 July 2017 engaged with the families of Boipatong Massacre victims at Boipatong Monument. This was to honour and remember the 39 victims of Boipatong Massacre who lost their lives 25 years ago, on 17 June 1992 through brutal killing.
The victims lost their lives during the height of political violence that engulfed many communities across South Africa just before the birth of democracy in the country.
She started the day by singing an emotional song ““Senzeni Na?” together with the victims’ families, as a reminder that the struggle is not yet over.
She emphasized on the importance of creating a way to remember the victims. “Let’s start dialogues to show a way forward from what happened on that sad day. Let’s get a film produced, which will show our young kids the real story of Boipatong Massacre.
Let’s now get names of the victims of Boipatong Massacre and have them placed at the monument. It will assist in nurturing and protecting our freedom, that was brought to us by those people”, she said.
She concluded by stating the seriousness of government when it comes to building township economy and empowerment, and also encouraged the community to be involved. “Government is serious about building township economy and empowerment.
We would like to attract tourists to come visit Boipatong, Sharpville and Sedibeng. The community should advice on what needs to be done as we continue to build and strengthen our monument. By doing so we can turn Boipatong into another Vilakazi street” she concluded.
Emfuleni Executive Mayor Simon Mofokeng together with Sedibeng Executive Mayor Ms. Busi Modisakeng also graced the occasion. Mayor Mofokeng calls the victims of Boipatong Massacre the Cradle of Human Rights. “ They are the Cradle of Human Rights as they were there in 1992 fighting for all oppressed people’s rights against the Apartheid regime”, he said.
For media inquiries contact:
Nomazwe Ntlokwana
Tel: 011 355 2578
Cell: 083 507 8068
E-mail: nomazwen@gpg.gov.za
