Remembering the 1985 Queenstown Massacre
Mbeki to deliver keynote address on 38th anniversary of tragedy
Former president Thabo Mbeki is expected to deliver the keynote address at the 38th anniversary commemoration of the 1985 Queenstown Massacre, to be held at Mlungisi Stadium next Friday.
In November 1985, a crowd of 200 people gathered at the Methodist church in Mlungisi to discuss the end of a consumer boycott.
What was meant to be a peaceful meeting turned deadly when violence broke out. Police stormed the church, firing on the crowd, leaving 14 dead and 22 injured.
As part of the lead-up to the anniversary commemoration, the Komani Initiative Development, led by the Queenstown Massacre preparatory committee, conducted a cleaning campaign on Saturday.
Queenstown Massacre preparatory committee convener Bonke Mfenqe said: “On Saturday, the committee organised a cleanup campaign along Victoria Road near the indoor sports centre and Luvuyo Lerumo High School area.”
The cleanup was conducted by Luvuyo Lerumo and Luis Rex Primary School pupils and teachers with the Queenstown Massacre preparatory committee members.
Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality ward 12 councillor Xoliswa Williams and ward 17 councillor Nompumelelo Kweza.
This Saturday, the committee will host a 5km fun run event, a rugby game and other sports. These activities are part of the buildup to the anniversary commemoration.”
Mfenqe, who is hoping for a great turnout for Saturday, said registration for runners and walkers would begin at 9am at Nonzwakazi Methodist Church on Friday (this morning), free of charge.
“The 5km run will start at the church at 6.30am, heading down Ngoma Street to Pambo Road. It will then proceed to Nonqukwana Road near Kwa Komani, then up Doyi Street and back to Pambo Road, finishing at Mlungisi Stadium.”
After the 5km run, he said rugby, soccer, netball, and draft games will be played.
Before the games begin, Mfenqe said a
brief history of the massacre would be given. This will be followed by the Chris Hani Council of Churches, the SA Football Association and the SAPS messages to the community on the importance of sports and crime prevention.
According to the convener, the Komani Initiative Development was established in honour of Lungile Nomeva, a political activist, member of uMkhonto we Sizwe, and trade unionist who died in September.
“The initiative’s purpose is to unify the people of Komani and develop the town to restore its former dignity,” Mfenqe said.