Lobby on for recognition of Alex’s 76 heroes
ALEXANDRA - As the nation commemorated June 16, memories of those who perished were re-ignited more in families of those who lost their beloved ones in that fateful week.
As the nation commemorated June 16, memories of those who perished were re-ignited in families of those who lost their beloved ones in that fateful week.
The family of Japie Vilankulu, one of those who died in the riots, remembered him through a traditional ceremony and prayer at his graveside on 17 June in Alexandra.
The riots which took place on 16 June resulting in the deaths of many students in Soweto and continued the following day in Alexandra were more students including Vilankula were killed.
One of the activists and Vilankula’s relative, Pinky Beea said although June 16 was symbolic of the killings of pupils, government should also recognise that deaths also happened elsewhere. “It would be appropriate for government to also recognise these other dates through shrines in areas where the killings happened,” she said.
Another activist, Refiloe Khunou said many students also died on 17 June in Alexandra and it was only logical that government should somehow recognise this for the sake of history and accurate remembrance. “Doing so will help their off-spring understand the true nature of their loss and contributions from their relatives to the freedoms we enjoy now,” he said.
The activists said the Democratic Alliance had assisted the family in their remembrance of Vilankula and had expected government to also attend the occasion.
Vasco da Gama, the DA caucus leader in the Gauteng legislature and also former resident of Alexandra, said many students also died on 17 June in Alexandra but very little had been done in the past 20 years of democracy to bring qualitative change in educating children in this impoverished township.
“Students then, perished trying to bring hope through improvement in education, but the present quality of education specially in the townships only prepares students for menial jobs and not descent work,” he said. “This sought of education is only creating a disgruntled and angry future human resource who will have to survive through none meaningful jobs,” he concluded.
Details: Nkele Molapo; 072 041 4842; press@gauteng.da.org.za
