Last year, Nthato Kodisang wrote a letter to the media appealing to the democratic government to recognise the Mshenguville Massacre in Kagiso.
It seems Kodisang’s plea has fallen on deaf ears, or so I think. If true, then it’s very unfortunate.
On 12 May 1991, during the last days of apartheid, Mshenguville (now Swanieville) residents were attacked and killed by Kagiso 1 hostel dwellers, assisted by the police.
28 people were killed on that day. There also were casualties in Kagiso 1 and 2. The then regime dubbed these kinds of attacks and killings as ‘black on black violence’.
25 years later, the massacre is yet to be recognised by the democratic government. It also is yet to be registered in our history books, but it remains etched in our memories. It is as if nothing happened on that fateful day and as if those innocent people who were killed, died in vain.
They probably are turning in their graves.
I wish to add my voice and appeal to the democratic government to recognise 12 May as the Mshenguville Massacre – though I would prefer to call it the Kagiso Massacre. The massacre forms part of our history. We need to honor the memory of those who died on that day in the hands of the apartheid regime, using our people to kill their own.
But the cynic in me tells me my plea also will fall on deaf ears, just like Kodisang’s. If that happens, I won’t be shocked. Neither would I be surprised. I really don’t understand why our democratic government recognises certain historic days and disregards others.
Since the dawn of our democracy, Mogale City has had three mayors. I don’t remember any of the mayors paying tribute to the fallen heroes of Mshenguville. I also don’t remember the mayors mentioning the massacre in their speeches. How soon we forget.
Allegedly there is a committee facilitating the recognition of the Mshenguville Massacre. I don’t know how much work they have done so far to make the day recognised. I wish to pledge my support to the committee and invite other residents to do the same. I am prepared to help in whatever way possible.
The struggle continues.
