FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The African National Congress (ANC)in the Eastern Cape draws the attention of the media to the scheduled proceedings at the Gqeberha High Court today , Monday 02 June 2025 related to the formal opening of Cradock Four Re-Opened Inquest into the deaths of Mathew Goniwe, Fort Calata, Sicelo Mhlauli and Sparrow Mkhonto.
Cradock Four hold a sacred place in the history of our struggle.
Mathew Goniwe, an educator who was also a rural organiser of the United Democratic Front (UDF) and a community leader, was instrumental in the formation of the Cradock Residents Association (CRADORA) and the Cradock Youth Association (CRADOYA). He was also very active in the anti-apartheid movement during the Soweto uprisings in 1976.
Fort Calata was also a pedagogue and a close political ally of Goniwe. He was arrested after writing a letter to the town council informing them of the filthy streets and unsanitary bucket system. After his transfer to Cradock, he was also an active member of the UDF and worked alongside Goniwe.
Sicelo Mhlauli was a close childhood friend of Goniwe. He was headmaster of a secondary school in Oudtshoorn, a community leader and an active member of the UDF. He too had been constantly harassed by the security police.
Sparrow Mkonto was a railway worker who was instrumental in the formation of CRADOYA and CRADORA. He was the highest-ranking officer of CRADORA.
Their deaths remain deeply etched in the conscience of our nation, and this inquest represents a long-overdue step towards truth, justice, and accountability.
MEDIA PROGRAMME (Subject to Change):
Venue: Gqeberha High Court
Date: Monday 02 June 2025
Time Activity
08h30 – 09h30 : Doorstep Interviews with ANC leaders and identified civil society leaders
09h30 : Formal court proceedings begin
LUNCH BREAK : Doorstep Interview with National and Provincial leaders
End of Session : Doorstep Interview with National, Provincial leaders and ANC Veterans
Conclusion : ANC leadership and family members depart
ENDS
ISSUED BY THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS – EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE
Enquiries :
Cde Gift Ngqondi
Provincial Head of Communications
ANC Eastern Cape
Mobile No- 0849519924/0848439706
