Eastern Cape commemorates 20th anniversary of Bhisho massacre

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

Former cabinet ministers Pallo Jordan and Ronnie Kasrils will be the keynote speakers at this week's 20th anniversary of the Bhisho massacre.

The Eastern Cape goverment will also unveil a list of projects aimed at revitalising the provincial capital Bhisho.

The revitalisation programmes will be spearheaded by the Departments of Roads and Public Works and Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture.

On the 7th of September 1992, former Ciskei soldiers opened fire on ANC marchers, killing 28 ANC marchers and one Ciskei Defence Force soldier.

The march was led by Kasrils, who will join Arts and Culture Minister, Paul Mashatile, at the commemoration on Friday.

Subsequent to the massacre the Goldstone Commission was established to investigate the shooting.

In his finding judge Richard Goldstone condemned former Ciskei strongman Oupa Gqozo "for preventing political activity in Ciskei as well as for the lethal brutality of the Ciskei Defence Force troops."

The Commission "dismissed his claim that the demonstrators had fired first, and it was later found that a Ciskei soldier who died during the shooting had been shot by a fellow soldier."

Judge Goldstone recommended strong action against Gqozo and those responsible while aso condemned Ronnie Kasrils "for his irresponsible action in leading marchers breaking through the razor wire and provoking the forces into opening fire."