SHARPEVILLE. – With the Sharpeville massacre commemorations deteriorating, families of victims of the popular Sharpeville and survivors are trying to keep the day alive.
On Wednesday, 20 March, scores of faith-based organizations, Khulumani Support Group, survivors, and families of the massacre victims held candlelight services at the Sharpeville monument.
Today, Thursday, March 21, marks 64 years since the bloody massacre at the Sharpeville Police Station in 1960.
On the day, 69 people died at the hands of apartheid police.
According to survivors and victims, residents of the kasi were demonstrating against the hated dompas when police opened fire on the crowd, injuring 180 protesters.
Loud hymns, church brass bands, candle lights, and prayer, were scenes witnessed by the closed community of the bloody massacre.
Different pastors and bishops took to the podium, rendering several comforting summonses in honour of the fallen heroes and heroines.
Following the short service leading to the ritual of candles, families were allowed to connect with their loved ones, through the erected on the lawns of the monument.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, Khulumani Support Group’s Chairlady, Selloane Phethane (79) explained why they conduct their service before the national celebration.
“The day is slowly deteriorating and many victims of the massacre are growing old. With the government not doing much for us and the families of the fallen victims, we see it fit to properly commemorate our day before ‘celebrations’ happen,” she said.
A relative to one of the survivors, Sello Sepheka (84) said the candlelight ceremony is the only way that give them hope that their families didn’t die in vain.
“This gesture is the only ceremony close to commemorating the lives of our people. Each year I attend the candlelight, rather than going to the March 21 event where we are lied to and promised things we hardly see happening,” he said.
Churches such as First Saint John Apostolic and Saint John Church of Prophecy formed part of many other churches that graced the event.
Speaking to the paper on the sidelines, Maria Mochongoane shared her reasons for attending the service.
“The Sharpeville Massacre happened in our backyard and we found it befitting to join our elders in commemorating their loved ones. Each year we are here, and it’s soothing to see how content and comforted the survivors and families of the victims become after every annual event,” she said.
