BOIPATONG – Thirty-one years ago, Mita Molete was hacked with an axe on the head and left paralyzed for life during a bloody massacre.
This was after residents were carried out by armed men from the steelworks residence KwaMadala Hostel, which is located about 1 km from the township. On the day, about forty-five people died and several were maimed.
While the 30-year-old live to tell the story each year, Molete never leaves an opportunity to voice out how the government has deserted their day.
According to other families of victims, who didn’t want to speak to the media, the Sharpeville, Sebokeng, and Boipatong massacres are dying a slow death. If they are not poorly organized, they are not commemorated at all.
This year, the Boipatong massacre, which was supposed to see its 31 years commemoration, was nowhere celebrated, not even an official wreath-laying ceremony took place.
And the heritage custodians in the region, Sedibeng District Municipality, said they have an approved budget waiting for a date for a makeup commemoration.
“On the day, together with my mom, we got injured during the killing spree. My dad never survived as he was badly hurt. I was rushed to the hospital because my mom knew a lot about first aid, she performed it on me before I was actually taken to a hospital,” said Molete.
“When I got to the hospital, my mother could see my hand going up and down, then she knew I was paralyzed that’s why I am wheelchair bound till this day,” she said.
Speaking on this year’s commemoration, Molete said the government has forgotten them.
“We are now used to the inconsistent commemoration by the government. I don’t want to sound like I don’t care, but I am used to this. Boipatong falls in its bad name, it’s buried and forgotten. This shows that we are forgotten,” she said.
“I would love to see this day recognized and celebrated like other historic days and be added to the calendar. The only recognized holiday is June 16, our day is not marked as a holiday on the calendar hence people forget about it,” she added.
Sedibeng District Municipality spokesman Saviour Kgaswane said the municipality had accordingly planned, and budgeted for the 2023 commemorative event.
“We fully participated in plenary meetings to ensure its full support and active participation in this year’s programme. The district municipality did not fail in its mandate of preserving and commemorating historical events. Our commitment and full participation in the plenary proceedings of the 2023 Boipatong Massacre Commemorative Event is a clear indication of affirmation in this regard,” he said.
“The municipality is ready to participate in this commemorative event. The commemoration report was tabled before Council and approval was granted. The district municipality is awaiting a new date from the community of Boipatong and the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation, so it can fulfill its commitment towards the hosting and commemoration of this year’s event,” he added.
