SHARPEVILLE.– Anger has emerged amongst community members over the recent burial of Covid -19 victims at the Phelandaba Cemetery in Sharpeville.
Community members say that they are most angry as the victims of the Sharpeville Massacre are also buried at the cemetery and that they are not respected. The anger from community members also stems from fears that they too risks their lives by being infected with the disease when they visit their relatives at a later stage.
A mourner, Justice Moeto said it annoyed him that no distinction was made between victims of Covid-19 and the fallen heroes and heroines of the Sharpeville Massacre.
Buti Selebalo of Sharpeville said, “Equating the deceased of Covid with the fallen heroes of the massacre can only be interpreted as an insult to everyone who fought for the freedom of our people.”
This sentiment was echoed by Apa Pooe, Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), General Secretary, “Our fallen heroes and heroines were discriminated by the apartheid regime while still alive. The ANC Government is not treating them differently in death,” said Pooe.
Emfuleni Local Municipality Spokesperson Stanley Gaba reminded the public that although the Phelindaba cemetery is a heritage site, it has been remained inactive for some time.
“There is a piece of land cleared to continue for burials. All are expected to observe the requirements of the protocols. If Vanderbijlpark is to be the only place for burials then there is going to be congestion with the funerals at the gate, and social distancing will not be maintained,” he concluded.
