Cape Town - The Trojan Horse Massacre site in Thornton Road, Athlone is now protected as a Provincial Heritage Site (PHS).
Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC Anroux Marais unveiled a plaque on Friday to declare a portion of the road a PHS.
The declaration of a PHS is done through Heritage Western Cape and follows a process of site identification and then assessing if the proposed site meets the set criteria.
This particular road in Athlone was an important site of struggle during the 1980s. The site borders a few schools in the area, and many students were involved in clashes with security police at the time.
On 15 October 1985, members of the security police shot and killed Jonathan Claasen, 21, Shaun Magmoed, 15, Michael Miranda, 11, and injured several others who were part of anti-aparthied demonstrations.
A truck loaded with crates that hid police in the centre had driven down Thornton Road to the middle of the protest, and armed officers opened fire.
An inquest was launched in March 1988 to investigate the actions of the police. Thirteen men were charged and the case was referred to the Attorney General of the Cape at the time, who refused to prosecute.
Families of the victims launched a private prosecution but the men were acquitted in December 1989.
As a declared PHS, the site will now be protected under the National Heritage Resources Management Act, 1999.
At the unveiling Marais said: “The declaration of this site as a Provincial Heritage Site demonstrates the understanding of the historical and heritage importance of this site and that it must be preserved and protected for many years to come. It is sites such as this one that preserve the narratives of the past and that will continue to be a source of learning and appreciation for the local communities. In preserving our heritage, we can also preserve the history and stories of the communities where they are situated.”
Activist Reverend June Dolley-Major said the massacre had ignited her activism against injustices as she witnessed scenes on the day, and has been etched as a memory after a few friends and neighbours were shot.
“That was a day I will never forget and it is by time that the site became a PHS and we are so grateful for it. Innocent people and children were shot and the manner in which it came about was just cowardice. Justice was never served for those who died and who were injured. I still believe that justice must be served and those who are responsible for it must be held accountable.
“We would still like for something beyond a PHS to be done about it. Responsibility and accountability for what had happened,” said Dolley-Major.
Apartheid Victims Family Group spokesperson Konehali Gugushe said while they welcomed and appreciated the efforts of recognizing and honoring the many lives lost in the struggle against apartheid, they continued to note with concern the "unfortunate lapse of time which undermines the value of some of these matters".
"More attention needs to be placed on prosecuting the implicated people. However, key perpetrators and witnesses are dying or have already died, making the quest to hold them accountable futile. We therefore implore the government to expedite these cases, before any more time is lost," Gugushe said.
Cape Times