KwaZulu-Natal Premier Mr Senzo Mchunu and member of his Cabinet will pay the final respects to the victims of the 1993/94 political violence in Bergville, when ten of those killed during that period will be reburied this weekend.
Areas around Bergville were at the epicentre of political violence which erupted in the 90, where the leadership of the first branch of the ANC to be launched in that area was wiped out.
“Due to the high intensity of violence in the area, it was impossible for the funerals of the victims to be held in their home town. They were eventually buried in an area outside Ladysmith, effectively confining these brave warriors of the liberation struggle to exile even in death,” said Mchunu.
As violence raged on, it claimed more victims, who would also find themselves buried in Ladysmith, far away from their homes and relatives.
“As government, we took a decision that we will restore the dignity of the victims of political violence, and in so doing, provide closure for their loved ones who still carry the emotional scars of the violence that was perpetrated on them,” said Mchunu.
The NPA’s Missing Person’s Unit, which has been criss-crossing the country identifying the remains of victims of violence, this week has been hard at work exhuming the ten Bergville victims, whose mortal remains will be reburied after a service to held in Woodford.
Media is invited to attend.
Date: 3 May 2014
Venue: Woodford, Bergville
Time: 9h00 am
RSVP: Regi Khumalo
Media Liaison Desk
Cell: 079 751 6108
E-mail: regi.khumalo@yahoo.com
Enquiries
Ndabezinhle Sibiya, Premier’s Spokesperson,
Cell: 082 3754742
E-mail: ndabezinhlesibiya@yahoo.com
