ARKNEWS

P FREEDOM

April – June 2018 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Editor’s Comment

Chairperson’s remarks

CEO’s Foreword

Biography HoD Public Participation Ms M Makoela

Dialogue with the nation This quarter we have mourned, grieved and celebrated the lives of our heroes and heroines. Yet in all this we have remembered and quietly honoured those who have fallen in the number of events that were hosted here. Fulfilling our National Mandate We commemorated the 30th anniversary of Cuito Cuanvale and speaker after speaker spoke about Cuba’s involvement in Africa is a remarkable tale of selflessness, unconditional OPINION PIECE support and the invaluable contributions to the cause of freedom, justice and development which spans more than four decades. We remembered the Indentured Labourer – the Unsung Hero. Our intergenerational dialogues have one sole objective that we make our young people mindful of our past and the manner in which it shapes our present and future, we believe it imperative to remember and honour those who came before us.

This is an opportunity for South Africans to contribute to our history. We often think of historic events as those things that made the world sit up and take notice. But our history is more than that. Our history resides in the stories of an individual life and how it played a part in the lives of others and ultimately in the story of our country.

By submitting a name for inscription on the Wall of Names, you will ensure that our heroes and heroines receive the honour they deserve. These names will be known nationally and internationally for their contribution to the freedom and liberation of . By sharing your memories and momentos for inclusion we will grant them their rightful place in the history of our country. This quarter we were haunted by an incredible sadness, at the loss of Mam Winnie, Ms Joyce Mashamba, Mr Billy Modise and Dr Philip Tabane.

But nothing prepared us for the indescribable pain descended upon us but like a balm that soothes the gnawing pain; ~Ms Jane Mufamadi

we are consoled by the life of Mam Winnie Madikizela Mandela which gives us hope and imbibes in us the confidence and inspiration that we can conquer anything that life throws at us.

The Charlotte Maxeke Institute and Freedom Park honoured one of the greatest stalwarts of our time Nomzamo Winifred Madikizela Mandela in a beautiful and intimate memorial.

~ Mr Ronnie Makopo Defiant, beautiful and unbroken, Winnie Mandela remains one of the most powerful activists in The South African nation bears the scars of a turbulent past characterised by the world as she tirelessly worked in the fight against apartheid. Her courage inspired freedom discrimination based on race, gender and so forth. It is therefore our duty to play a, if not fighters in South Africa and the Diaspora and was an inspiration to women across the world. the, significant role in humanity, freedom, reconciliation and nation building both continentally and internationally. Neither our past or present situation may be unique, We pay tribute to this courageous, captivating and inspiring patriot who dedicated her life to the but it is the manner in which we managed to transition from a nation plagued by betterment of our people. discrimination to a united force that demands respect internationally and nationally. As we gathered on the evening of the 14th April to pay tribute to one of the greatest heroines this Vicious attacks on people propels us back to an age of gross abuse of basic human rights – country has ever seen. The nation stood still at the breaking news that you had left this world rights that does not depend on race or nationality. Freedom Park offers a clarion call that never to be seen again. The ache in our hearts still hurts and tears still fall but we take solace in echoes through history: “motho ke motho ka batho” – I am because we are. This call rests the fact that you are now resting and at peace. And yet we never wanted to let you go… firmly on the pillars of Ubuntu, which emphasises a sense of community that cuts across racial and ethnical divides. How do we carry on, we can never forget you, defiant, beautiful and captivating; you who had suffered torture, solitary confinement, constant surveillance and harassment. The only way in which we can gain this knowledge is through communication, and more specifically, inter-cultural communication. Our past has indeed set the bar and have You were a freedom fighter, a stalwart and an icon of our struggle, a dedicated revolutionary and shown us capable of respecting communication and negotiation over violence. The past a mother of the nation. More than anything, your presence was dramatic and arresting, how can quarter has indeed been hectic and jam packed with events that acknowledge the we forget that you symbolized the spirit of Black South Africa that fought the apartheid regime contributions that they have made to democracy. Events like the Freedom Day, on the street. A mother to the nation you were a warrior despite the wounds you carried — you Storytelling events, external events and exhibitions have just alluded to the fact that fought relentlessly. Freedom Park is indeed making a difference and we are relevant.These events are truly humbling experiences with the sole objective of bringing people together under one Till the end, you remained committed to your followers — largely black women and the banner of peace and also promotes the message: AFRICA – we are one! underprivileged, as well as poor immigrants. You never ceased to remind South Africa it was not just heroes like Nelson Mandela who had wrested freedom from them but the sacrifices of the black people, who stood up to a violent, racist state. non-racial, non-sexist and democratic South Africa. He also received the Premier’s Excellence Award from the Premier of the for his contribution towards the Your life’s journey has been one of challenges beyond what any ordinary woman could bear. liberation struggle and South Africa in general. Sadly, your enemy gave you no other choice, but to carry the burdens, share the enormous pain, and lift the unattainable hopes of an entire people in their unwavering, endless search In 2017, Ambassador Modise was bestowed the Swedish Order of the Polar Star by the for freedom. Swedish Ambassador to South Africa. Rest in Peace. As we celebrated Freedom Month; this April 2018 is one that will be forever etched in our hearts, for it was on the 6 April 1979 when our young stalwart Solomon Mahlangu, was hanged and on the 10 April 1993 we lost Chris Hani. DIALOGUE WITH THE NATION And now Mama you have left. Who can forget these poignant words uttered by you? “I no longer have the emotion of fear? There is no longer anything I can fear. There is nothing the government has not done to me” there isn’t any pain I haven’t known. FREEDOM MONTH How do we forget? We remember the selflessness of our heroes and heroines. These are our role models who Freedom Park this year celebrated Freedom Month by offering visitors free entrance to the th deserve a place in history that is worth emulating by present and future generations. Park on 27 April. On Freedom Day we commemorate South Africa’s first non-racial and democratic elections held on 27 April 1994. This day will forever stand in the hearts and What cannot be said will be wept, Mam Winnie you were fearless, unapologetic and minds of our people. As we celebrate peace, unity, freedom and human dignity, we invite courageous. To the thousands of women you were the epitome of a true leader. Inspired by each and every South African to celebrate with us – at a place that stands as a monument your inextinguishable march forward towards a brighter Africa. to humanity and freedom: Freedom Park.

2018 also marks the centenary of our two stalwards, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela and Mama Albertina Sisulu. We also remember Prof Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe who departed this world 40 years ago. LIVE INTERVIEW WITH CEO – LOTUS FM

Freedom Park is for all South Africans and as we prepare for Freedom Day we invite each and every South African to celebrate with us – at a place that stands as a monument to Biography humanity and freedom: Freedom Park.

The CEO was in a live interview with Lotus FM on the Lunch Break Show with Byron Peters FREEDOM PARK PAYS TRIBUTE TO BILLIE MODISE spoke about Freedom Day and the significance of the day to Indian community and the nation at large. We pay tribute to H.E. Ambassador Billy Modise was the former South African Chief of State Protocol. He was also the Lotus FM is a South African national radio station based in Durban, loosely similar to the former South African High Commissioner to Canada. BBC Asian Network in the that caters for the needs of the South African Ambassador Modise servered on a number of boards, Indian community. including those of South African Airways and Kgodiso Investments. In 2008 Ambassador Modise received the Order of Luthuli – Silver Class from former President for excellent contribution in the achievement of a South Africa free of racial oppression and contributing to the building of a INTERGENERATIONAL DIALOGUE MOVIES IN THE PARK – FREEDOM DAY

Understanding who we are and where we come from is central to activities at Freedom Park. ‘Our elders have gifted us our beautiful heritage and the freedom we appreciate today. We believe that without their wisdom we will lose a link with our own identities and our own heritage. ‘We have a programme that we call “Youth in Dialogue with the Elders”, where we create opportunities for young people to engage with the elders and learn about our heritage Freedom Park and the Department of Education, Gauteng North District, hosted an intergenerational dialogue, where the focus centred on the Freedom Charter, the Constitution as well as the Bill of Rights. The dialogue was aimed at encouraging young people to conscientiously understand the country’s history and the path that led to a democratic South Africa. More than 100 grade 6 and 7 learners from ten schools participated in the dialogue.

Freedom Park screened the The Long Walk to Freedom Freedom Park this year and celebrated Freedom Month by offering visitors free entrance to the Park on 27th April. On Freedom Day we commemorated South Africa’s first non-racial and democratic elections held on 27 April 1994. This day will forever stand in the hearts and minds of our people. As we celebrated peace, unity, freedom and human dignity, we invited each and every South African to celebrate with us – at a place that stands as a monument to humanity and freedom: Freedom Park. this battle pays homage to all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for South Africa’s liberation. Through this collaboration we hope to encourage reconciliation and nation building.

The Battle of Cuito Cuanavale, which took place from 1987 to 1988, is regarded as one of the final battles of the Cold War. This battle is perceived to have changed the history and political landscape of the Southern African region. At the previously insignificant village of Cuito Cuanavale, Angolan, Namibian and Cuban forces triumphed over the Apartheid military forces, whilst South African liberation army fighting in Northern Angola managed to contain the Angolan rebel armies, thus preventing them from reinforcing the apartheid army.

As a custodian of our constitutional democracy initiatives like this will assist in healing the divisions of the past and unite Africans, including those living in the African Diaspora, in the endeavour to building a sustainable and peaceful Africa and world.

AFRICA MONTH CELEBRATIONS This is Africa’s time! The eyes of the world are focused on our continent. If the 21st century is to belong to the African continent, we need a reawakening of pride and ownership in our unique and vibrant identity as Africans. This rebirth should start with the youth – our future.

As we celebrate this month our aim should always be to strengthen the framework of African solidarity. The ties that bind us span country borders and unite our brothers and sisters into a global African community. Freedom Park is synonymous with reconciliation – with the coming together and strengthening of the ties that bind us. This month will mark another step on the route to reconciliation amongst our fellow African countries. If we are to realise the ideals of Pan-Africanism, we must explore and embrace our shared roots.

30th Anniversary of the Battle of Cuito Cuanvale

Freedom Park in collaboration with the Cuban Embassy honoured Nelson Mandela’s Legacy in Solidarity with Cuba in the year of his Centenary.

The significance of the battle encourages an appreciation of the importance that global solidarity played in the emancipation of Southern Africa and Africa. The commemoration of THE YEAR OF NELSON MANDELA Africa Day Festivity - 31 May 2018 – Building a better South Africa

As we concluded Africa Month celebrations, the Education Unit in collaboration with the National Department of Basic Education will commemorate Africa Day in tribute to Nelson Mandela and Albertina Sisulu. As you are aufait with the theme for Africa Day: The Year of Nelson Mandela: “Building a Better Africa and a Better World”. Learners from across Gauteng schools, SADC region representatives and other notable dignitaries were in attendance.

The Department of Basic Education has launched a “Read to Lead” campaign intended to As we celebrate Africa Day we are mindful of the scars of South Africa’s turbulent past promote the importance of a reading society. The Honourable Minister of Basic Education Angie characterised by discrimination based on race, gender and so forth. We understand the tragic Motshekga presided at the event and delivered the keynote address. consequences as we have experienced them first-hand. It is therefore our duty to play a, if not the, significant role in humanity, freedom, reconciliation and nation building both continentally Learners were also afforded the opportunity to exhibit and showcase their Art to the and internationally. Honourable Minister in a Question and Answer discussion. Neither our past or present situation may be unique, but it is the manner in which we managed to transition from a nation plagued by discrimination to a united force that demands respect internationally. We have the ability. We have done it once before. We can and must do it again!

31 May 2018 - Unity in Diversity –Freedom Park in partnership with Ikwekwezi FM and the African Embassies celebrated our African culture in art, culture, history and African cuisine which is the canvas of our culture that is vast and has hues and vibrancy of all sorts. This festival was a celebration of all that is African, the warmth in relations and euphoria in celebrations attracted many people on the day. Everything from culture, tradition, values, and customs was at the focus here. Freedom Park honours those who took a stand and sacrificed for a better South Africa. We want our youth to know that there is a place that recognises such heroes and heroines. Our youth’s contributions mattered so much in the history of our nation. It is, however, time for today’s youth to take their lead from those who have gone before and take a stand to build this nation even further.

FULFILING OUR NATIONAL MANDATE – The Indentured Labourer SABC 3 MELA

In another electronic partnership with SABC 3, SADHANA had a live outside broadcast with CEO at the Wall of Names. This will be broadcast on SABC 3 on the 15 July 2018. YOUTH MONTH Freedom Park pays tribute to the heroes and heroines who suffered the injustice of past colonization, slavery, economic exploitation. The Indian Diaspora/SABC 3/Maha Sabha paid tribute This month is dedicated to the remembrance of the significant role that the youth played in the to the Indentured Labourer on the Wall of Names in an event that came alive with song, dance and history of our nation with an exciting month ahead. However, the message that we want the musical recitals as we restore honour and dignity to those who fell in the struggle for humanity and nation to cherish after every event is one of acceptance, inclusivity and hope. Our activities for freedom. the month thus focus on highlighting the importance of individual contributions, no matter how small. We need to assure our youth that they matter, that their voices are heard and that they Freedom Park is committed to reconciliation and nation building amongst the entire South African can and should make a difference. population. We want to instil a sense of national pride in this icon of humanity and freedom. More importantly, we want to create awareness amongst the different communities that a site exists where those that died fighting for freedom and liberation in this country are being honoured. Given Freedom Park’s mandate of immortalising previously unsung heroes and heroines, we will continue to support endeavours that strive to honour our heroes and heroines for their The youth of South Africa key to future greatness contribution to the establishment of democracy and liberation, as we continue to inspire people across our nation. This inevitably results in a collective ownership and a united nation. Given that it is June, issues surrounding the youth of our country come to the fore on the back Freedom Park is for all South Africans. Geographical distance coupled with a lack of the of the unforgettable 1976 Soweto Uprising on the 16 June and the national holiday marking necessary finances does unfortunately mean that some South Africans might never have the its significance. We start to see the ubiquitous photo of a lifeless Hector Peterson being opportunity to visit Freedom Park and yet we want people to know that there is a place carried by his terrified and traumatised sister which spread like wildfire around the world and dedicated to them; to their history, heritage, culture and spirituality. became a flashpoint regarding the perpetuation of apartheid policies. It would still take another decade to see the end of apartheid and the long-suffering Nelson Mandela ascension It is imperative that we remember our history and celebrate how far we have come as a nation. to president of a democratic South Africa. He firmly believed in the rights of children, As per Freedom Park’s mandate of guiding the nation on a route of reconciliation and nation dedicating his time and resources to the plight of the youth, firmly believing children to be building, we are enthusiastic about a closer collaboration with the Indian community more assets upon which the future, and its leaders would be built. During his tenure as president, especially high profile individuals in the communication, business and cultural space. Mandela gave half his salary to the poor, specifically to children. “I have never cared very much for personal prizes. A person does not become a freedom fighter in the hope of winning SABC 3 together with the Maha Sabha paid tribute to the Indentured Labourer on the Wall of awards,” he writes in his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom. In addition, when he received Names in an event that will come alive with song, dance and musical recitals as we restore the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, he gave part of his $1.2-million (R11.7-million) prize money to honour and dignity to those who fell in the struggle for humanity and freedom. help disadvantaged children.

Given that it is the centenary year of the birth of Nelson Mandela and indeed Youth Month, it is important to emphasise that there has been a catastrophic failure to protect the interests of the youth of this country by and large. Despite many government programmes and initiatives regarding youth and the problems they face, we are seeing an alarming trend of violence against children, inadequate health care for the young and abysmal schooling which are all exacerbated by widespread poverty. The inherited apartheid system backlog coupled with the lack of real political will has become a recipe for disaster playing out in front of the nation’s eyes, with apathy numbing the skin to the increased temperature of the proverbial pot of hot water we as South Africans find ourselves in.

According to statistics issued by the Mail and Guardian last year, approximately 53 children under the age of five die in South Africa every day — and three-quarters of them do not live to see their first birthday. Children are literally dying on their mothers’ backs after being denied the right to proper healthcare timeously. Government clinics and hospitals around hopelessly short-staffed and undersupplied with basic medicine and equipment. Critical skills shortages have led to key posts such as oncologists remaining vacant.

The Health Ombudsman has recently warned that government healthcare is on the verge of a complete collapse without serious and speedy intervention. The Institute for Race Relations (IRR) reported last year that the years 2015-2016 saw 900 OPINION PIECE children murdered in South Africa, many of those sexual in nature but not excluding gang violence and abandonment of children by mothers. Reports of violence against children use headlines such as ‘national disaster’ and ‘violence against children a downward spiral’. The picture is bleak with the Children’s Institute of the University of Cape Town reporting that WHAT DOES JUNE 16 MEAN FOR THE YOUTH OF TODAY? up to 34% of the country’s children are victims of sexual violence and physical abuse before they reach the age of 18. The child murder rate in South Africa more than double the global Abridged version average, with many crimes committed against children never even reported. In addition to This year’s youth day and month mark the 42nd anniversary of the ‘Soweto Uprising’ that this, emotional abuse, rejection, human trafficking and kidnap of children are also sad realties occurred on 16 June 1976. The day is immortalised in South Africa as the day in which high in South Africa. school students in Soweto were massacred by the apartheid police during a peaceful march, in protest against the enforced use of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction from Grade 7 in black The right to a basic, decent education for many South African children is also denied to many. schools. This declaration simmered tension and resentment by black students, teachers and Few countries in the world spend as much on education as South Africa - public spending on parents alike; who viewed Afrikaans as “the language of the oppressors;” which mandated a education is 6.4% of GDP; the average share in EU countries is 4.8%. However, accountability racist curriculum aimed at moulding black children into servants for the ruling classes. of teachers and their unions cripple these financial inputs. In 2018, mud hut schooling and pit Teachers were also ill-equipped to teach in the language, which was for most, a third latrine toilets, in which our children often drown, are still in existing and in some areas, the language; and African languages were completely ignored. The march was led largely by about norm. In fact, Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, indicated in 2017 that some 5 000 - 15 000 high school students in Soweto and roughly about 176 people up to an schools in rural parts of the Eastern Cape have no ablution facilities! estimated number of 700 were killed as the police responded with teargas and live ammunition. Many average South African’s are confronted with these statistics through news reports and we have all but become apathetic and numb to the realities on the ground for so many young The events of June 16 1976 changed the course of South Africa's history and marked the children. Many historical reasons such as apartheid special design, inequality, poverty and beginning of the “Soweto Uprising,” as angered pupils targeted apartheid symbols - injustice has led us to this point. This coupled with an overburdened national healthcare administrative offices, government buses and vehicles and municipal beer halls, which were system, a crippled and weakening education system and social ills such and poverty and first looted and then set alight. In response, anti-riot vehicles poured into Soweto, erecting violence that lead to the prevalence and escalation of heinous crimes against children is a roadblocks at all entrances and placing the army on alert. Violence erupted and spread to sure-fire way to ensure the erosion of social capital that the youth represent. Alexandra - a volatile township in , and other areas across South Africa. International solidarity movements supported the pupils, putting pressure on the government What can therefore be done to alleviate and eventually eradicate some of the tribulations that to temper its repressive rule. The pressure was maintained throughout the 1980s, until threaten the future of the children of South Africa? Corolin Gomulia, head of strategy, resistance movements were finally unbanned in 1990. communications and advocacy at the Institutite for Justice and Reconciliation says, ‘There are plenty of research reports, policies and strategies that allow us to understand the complexity After 1994, June 16 was set aside as a public holiday in South Africa, to honour the courage, and intersectional nature of the problem. They also provide recommendations on where to bravery and sacrifice of the courageous youth cadres who were at the forefront of the struggle start and what to do. Civil society in its many manifestations, government institutions such as against Apartheid and Bantu Education. The whole month of June, has been dedicated to the department of social development, department of health and SAPS, and the private sector supporting and celebrating all youth across the country. Young people such as Hector all need to not only allocate the required resources, but become active agents for change. Peterson, and Mbuyisa Makhubo (who disappeared), are remembered for their determination They need to be bold, disruptive, courageous and creative -- and activate networks, systems to fight for their rights; and for not flinching in the face of the brutal and violent repressive and individuals to protect children, starting today.’ Therefore, this youth day, remember that apartheid regime. as much as the youth struggled during the days of apartheid, is as much as they suffer now and no classic photograph can whitewash the clear and present danger to the youth of this This theme has been carefully selected to also celebrate the legacy of our two struggle icons - country. Nelson Mandela and Albertina Sisulu - who would have turned 100 years old in 2018. In the Lauren Marx is a Senior Researcher at Freedom Park same spirit, the country commemorates the contributions made by our struggle stalwarts who risked their lives to free our country from oppression and white domination, and whose sacrifices contributed to putting the country on the correct path to building a non-racial, non- sexist and democratic state. The ideals for which all these struggle heroes and heroines lived and died for should continue to serve as a great source of inspiration for the youth of today.

Although today’s youth are not fighting for the same things that were fought by the youth of 1976 to overthrow apartheid, our young people need to redirect their focus to personal and socio- economic development of the country, in line with the vision to have a free South Africa in which the youth assume an active role as agents of change, reconstruction and development. Our youth should learn from the revolutionary and exemplary roles played by these gallant cadres, in addressing the challenges they face today. It is therefore crucial that they organise and mobilise themselves towards advancing the struggle against the challenges the country continues to face in redressing past imbalances and building a nation; to the point where all youth must wake up every single day with more determination than ever before to make a mark in the development of our nation.

Although this day will always be remembered for all the pain it caused, its memory should be celebrated for its contribution to the freedom we currently enjoy. At Freedom Park, we have Editorial Team inscribed the names of young people who died during the 1976 student uprising on the Wall of Names, so that their contributions will always be remembered in history and in the hearts Public Participation HOD: Ms. Modjadji Makoela of many for generations to come. Let us then celebrate this memory by recommitting Editor: Rogini Govender ourselves to continue with the struggle for the improvement of the lives of our young people. Layout and Graphic Designer: Olebogeng Mafoko Despite the challenges we are still facing as a country, our youth deserve a better future in Photography: Vincent Vilakazi/ Olebogeng Mafoko order to transform the South African reality into a country in which even generations to come can thrive and lead creative and fulfilling lives. We should therefore all strive as a nation to FIND US GPS COORDINATES live in peace, for without peace, our youth will not have proper education and without education, it will be more and more difficult to create jobs; business will invest its funds Tel: +27 (0)12 336 4000 Latitude: S 25 45.846 Longitude: E 28 11.238 elsewhere; and tourists will not come to our beautiful environments. Fax: +27 (0)12 336 4021

Corner Koch and 7th Avenue Salvokop Tembeka Ngcebetsha is a Senior Researcher at Freedom Park Pretoria