Chiefs boss remembers Ellis Park 43

Kaizer Chiefs chairperson Kaizer Motaung said it was important to renew and pledge his club’s solidarity with the bereaved families of the 43 fans who died at Ellis Park Stadium in 2001.

On this day in 2001, 43 fans died in a stampede during a Soweto Derby match between Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.

“It is one fateful and unforgettable date. The picture remains vivid in my mind every time I think about that night,” Motaung told the Chiefs website.

“I will not get used to talking about this, it happened, and it is part of our history. One philosopher George Santayana said, ‘Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it’. We are bound to refer to this unfortunate incident to renew and pledge our solidarity with the bereaved families and review the measures that were put in place as a result.

“The Ngoepe Commission was appointed by former president Thabo Mbeki to investigate the cause of the stampede and make recommendations to avoid a similar occurrence in the future… My deepest feelings of sympathy to the families that lost their beloved stays on. We always keep them in our prayers because we share their pain as the football family.

“The day is remembered in various ways by different stakeholders. A prayer ceremony at the stadium is part of the commemoration and I know there will be visitations to mark the day at Ellis Park Stadium to show respects. I wish to reiterate on behalf of the Kaizer Chiefs Family my condolences to the families and wish that the departed rest in the everlasting peace.”

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