SEBOKENG – But this year, things took a different turn as a Foundation formed by several business men in the Vaal, Vaal 21, chose to resurrect what they termed the “dead heritage and pride of Zone 7”.
With a newly built monument and laying wreaths at Evaton cemetery today, 12 January, families and survivours of this bloody massacre were left in tears as the 32nd anniversary was properly organized.
Dozens gathered at Evaton cemetery where 30 victims of this massacre are buried to lay wreaths and perform traditional rituals. Followed by the first part of the programme, different dignitaries together with the families and survivors convoyed to Zone 7 “Masenkeng” where a newly built plague was unveiled with all the names of the victims.
Nangalembe massacre saw more than 30 people losing their lives and 40 more were injured. This is after a peaceful vigil was being held in an overcrowded tent to mourn the loss of community leader and ANC member Christopher Nangalembe. Nangalembe had been captured and murdered a week earlier, after his body was discovered in a nearby rubbish dump.
As mourners prayed peacefully, a group of unknown assailants suddenly stormed the tent, and without warning began firing random rounds of live ammunition into the crowd.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, the Chairman of Vaal 21 Foundation, George Mollo explained why they chose to revive the massacre.
“We are ploughing back to our community as a form of creating change and protecting our kasi human rights. No one is coming to save us, unless we begin to save ourselves and do things for our own people. We have got the power, capability and the know-how, why not change our hood?” he asked.
Mollo said that all the other townships in the Vaal which experienced bloody massacres have a symbol of recognition, just not Zone 7.
“Every other kasi in the region which was befell by massacres have different symbolical moments. When you speak of Boipatong and Sharpeville massacre, they have been built monuments. Zone 7 doesn’t have anything to show for the blood of our people, that’s the main reason we decided to create one for them,” he said.
Tankiso Mohlamme (49), one of the survivors said, “I can never complain because what these brothers [grootman’s] did for us is really touching. The massage was slowly dying and today is the rebirth. Politicians have come and left, leaving us with empty promises. At least now we have little hope that the blood of ours were not in vain”.
Mary Mbelu, mother to one of the victims and relative, said she is happy to see the day being recognised.
“For two years, the day has been dead and this year we came out to remember our deceased people. I lost my only son and a relative on that fateful night. When the day approaches, my heart breaks knowing nothing is done for us. Seeing Vaal 21 Foundation organising such for us, really made all of us happy,” she said.
The event was graced by Sedibeng District Mayor Lerato Maloka and acting Mayor of Emfuleni Local Municipality Hassan Mako among other dignitaries.
