By: Nosipho Haya-Komisa
Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane together with the survivors and families of the fallen heroes of the historic 1992 Bhisho massacre gathered at the War Memorial in Bhisho yesterday to lay the wreath for their loved ones.
On the 7th of September 1992, about 80 000 protesters gathered in Bhisho stadium signalling the opposition to Oupa Gqozo’s rule, were shot by the then Ciskei Defence Force.
Mabuyane said this year’s anniversary commemoration is about focusing on educating people about democracy and justice.
“The 28th-anniversary commemoration is imperative to educate the people of the Province and the nation, about the importance of preserving social memory, deepening democracy, as well as promoting social justice for both the living victims and those who have departed,” said Mabuyane.
To keep the history of the Eastern Cape Province alive Mabuyane said the Eastern Cape government has revamped the Bhisho Massacre Memorial.
“The Eastern Cape Provincial Government upgraded the Bhisho Massacre Memorial by building a state-of-the-art facility with a Visitor Information Centre, which was unveiled in 2012,” he said.
Mabuyane revealed that the victims of the Bhisho massacre are benefiting from the Eastern Cape government through various projects.
“Victims of the Bhisho Massacre are supported by the government through different initiatives such as repatriation, medical-related support, housing, educational support in basic education for the dependents of the victims,” said Mabuyane.
Speaking on the anniversary commemoration in Bhisho yesterday BuffaloCity Metro mayor Xola Pakati said,
“We issue our thanks and give honour to these people whose unflinching commitment to freedom was such that they had to sacrifice their lives so that we can live better today.”
Pakati further said the masses of people who were brutally killed by the then Ciskei force should be remembered as the champions of the struggle against apartheid.
“The people who were brutally killed by the security forces on this day in 1992 should be regarded as the martyrs of our liberation struggle and should be counted amongst the pioneers of our freedom,” said Pakati.
Twenty-eight ANC members and one soldier were brutally killed by the Force, with over 200 people injured during the 1992 protest march in Bhisho.