Attention: News Editors / Journalists / Press Members
Date: 06 September 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
__________________________________________
The Eastern Cape Government will commemorate the 27th Year of Bhisho Massacre in Bhisho on Saturday, 07 September 2019.
This year’s Bhisho Massacre will be commemorated within the broader context of the country’s 25 years of freedom and democracy. The day will highlight, educate the province and nation about the importance of preserving social memory, strengthen and deepen democracy and promote social justice for the victims both living and the departed.
The Bhisho Massacre occurred on 7 September 1992, where about 80 000 protesters gathered outside Bhisho signaling the opposition to Oupa Gqozo’s rule. The meeting was led by senior African National Congress (ANC) leaders including South African Communist Party Secretary General Chris Hani, Cyril Ramaphosa, Steve Tshwete and Ronnie Kasrils.
When Kasrils led a group trying to break through the Ciskei Defence Force lines to enter Bhisho, Ciskei Defence Force soldiers opened fire on the marchers with automatic weapons. Twenty-eight ANC supporters, one soldier were shot dead by the Ciskei Defence Force and injuring over 200 during a protest march when they attempted to enter Bhisho to demand the reincorporation of Ciskei into South Africa during the final years of apartheid.
Government has since 2010 supported the annual commemorative event, resulting in the upgrading of the Bhisho Massacre Memorial that was unveiled in 2012, and a Visitor Information Centre.
The Bhisho Massacre victims are kept updated on how government supports them through different initiatives such as repatriation, medical related support, housing, educational support for basic education for victim and their dependants.
The event will be commemorated in three phases, starting at Ginsberg Cemetery, thereafter to Bhisho Memorial Park and then Bhisho Stadium.
Members of the media are invited to attend the event as follows:
(1) Wreath laying
Venue: GINSBERG CEMETRY
Time: 09:30
Wreath laying
Venue: BHISHO MEMORIAL PARK
Time: 10:00
Main Programme
Venue: BHISHO STADIUM
Time: 11:00
Date : 07 September 2019
For RSVP, contact:
Mr Kolekile Ndudula ?
Cell: 082 578 5998
Email: Kolekile.Ndudula@ecsrac.gov.za
For media queries, contact:
Mr Andile Nduna???
Cell: 071 411 4820????
Email: Andile.Nduna@ecsrac.gov.za
