Swaneville massacre not in SA history books

Many people, especially the youth, have no idea that on 12 May 1991, in Swaneville near Krugersdorp, a massacre occurred that left many people dead or disabled, with their houses, cars and personal belongings destroyed by fire. They also do not know that the survivors and their family members commemorate this day by holding a prayer meeting at a rock they use as a monument in the open field that was left after the massacre.

This is why Johannes Oupa Kodisang, Chairperson of the Swaneville Massacre Committee, is working tirelessly, attending meetings, spreading awareness and standing up for justice for the families of the victims – so that future generations can learn about the Swaneville massacre, and not only about those that occurred at Sharpeville and Boipatong.

In the early 1990s, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and the ANC were two of the top political parties in opposition. The massacre saw IFP supporters, who came from the Lewisham hostel, attack ANC members in their homes with knives, spears and sticks.

The commemoration of this massacre was supposed to take place last year, but it was cancelled because the Mogale City Local Municipality realised that most family members had moved away and would have to be contacted in order for them to be part of the commemoration.

Although the previous municipality made a recommendation in favour of the event, it is now up to the new Democratic Alliance administration to give the go-ahead, as this initiative can only come to pass if the administration supports and approves it.

Kodisang has therefore written a letter to the Executive Mayor of Mogale City Local Municipality, Michael Holenstein, requesting an urgent meeting with him regarding the commemoration. In the interim, Kodisang’s office is waiting for their next meeting to discuss the preparation of the event.

Many people believe that 28 people died in the massacre, but in the meeting that Kodisang had last year with the then ANC Regional Chairperson, Uhuru Moiloa, it was revealed that 48 people had died. “The number of deaths was apparently reduced to prevent the massacre from becoming a world-wide phenomenon,” said Moiloa, who now holds the position of Deputy Speaker in the Gauteng Legislature.

“We want everyone to be aware that this massacre, like the others, led the nation to democratic government. It should be stored as a historic record and become part of the syllabus for historical studies in our schools. It should be recognised and commemorated every year, because people’s blood was shed. People should know that Swaneville has a rich heritage, and the government should not only focus on Soweto, but on other places like the West Rand – we should all be treated equally and get the same recognition and honour,” said Kodisang.

Kodisang also said the media, including radio stations, should be involved.

“They will announce details of the commemoration to the public and in that way assist in making the family members who have moved away aware of the initiative.”

He further said that he had spoken to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which agreed that the families of the deceased, like the woman whose young daughter tried to run away from the horrific incident and fell into the river and drowned, as well as the victims who survived and those living with disabilities should be compensated, as they are unable to provide for themselves. That river had since dried up, and is now adorned by spinach and maize plants with the rock as the centrepiece that families gather around yearly for prayer in memory of that unforgettable, disastrous day.

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