Mamelodi to Mark 40 Years Since 1985 Massacre With Historic Photo Exhibition

Moses Mushi

4 days ago

Mamelodi is preparing to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Mamelodi Massacre, a painful chapter in the township’s history that continues to occupy an important place in South Africa’s struggle for freedom and human rights.

The commemoration, proposed by freelance journalist and writer, Mr Mangoeng Kendridge Mathabathe, will include a photographic exhibition featuring rare black-and-white images taken during the funeral of those killed after a peaceful protest march on 21 November 1985. Many of the photographs have reportedly not been seen publicly since that period.

The photographs form part of the personal archive of Mr Mathabathe, an award-winning photojournalist who captured many of the images as a freelance journalist. With more than three decades of experience in media and public communication, Mr Mathabathe says the exhibition is intended to honour those who lost their lives, preserve Mamelodi’s memory, and create a platform for reflection on the political journey travelled by the people of Mamelodi and South Africa more broadly.

According to the concept document provided by Mr Mathabathe, the 1985 march was led and organised by the Mamelodi Parents Association in protest against rent increases and other apartheid-era restrictions affecting residents. The march began at the YMCA in Mamelodi East, where residents gathered before proceeding to the municipal offices to submit a memorandum of grievances.

Martha-Mahlangu-who-defied-her-house-arrest-came-dressed-in-the-colors-of-the-banned-ANC-to-address-the-mourners-at-HM-Pitje-Stadium.(Martha-Mahlangu-who-defied-her-house-arrest-came-dressed-in-the-colors-of-the-banned-ANC-to-address-the-mourners-at-HM-Pitje-Stadium. Pictures Courtesy of Mr Mangoeng Kendridge Mathabathe

The memorandum reportedly called for the lowering of rent, the removal of restrictions on weekend funerals, the lifting of limits on the number of mourners allowed at funerals, and the withdrawal of the apartheid army from the township.

The march drew support from community structures, including women’s organisations, youth formations and student activists. However, the protest ended in tragedy when apartheid police opened fire on unarmed residents near the municipal offices. Teargas and live ammunition were used, while gunfire was also reportedly heard from a police helicopter as people fled.

Among those remembered are Ntombane Mello, Jerry Shikoane Ngwatle, Sam Shumi Nkonyane, Sarah Raisibe Tefo, Moses Pontsi Motsei, Elizabeth Baphelile Msiza, Magdeline Matengo Mlambo, Paulos Mavimbela, Beauty Thoko Malaza, Jacob Dipuo Songo and Salome Namgidi Mabena. The concept document also recalls the death of three-month-old Trocia Ndlovu, who died after inhaling teargas.

In the days that followed, Mamelodi was described as resembling a war zone, with more bodies reportedly found in and around the township and nearby mountain areas. Some people remain missing or unaccounted for.

The funeral, held at HM Pitje Stadium, drew about 10 000 mourners. It became both a moment of grief and a powerful political gathering, with speakers condemning apartheid laws and calling for justice. Winnie Mandela and Martha Mahlangu, mother of executed MK soldier Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu, also attended despite restrictions placed on them at the time.

The coffin carrying little Trocia Ndlovu, who died of teargas inhalation, is about to be lowered into the ground. Pictures Courtesy of Mr Mangoeng Kendridge Mathabathe

The proposed 40th-anniversary programme is expected to include a memorial lecture, speeches, and related commemorative activities. Organisers say the event should serve as a healing platform while reminding current and future generations of the sacrifices made by the people of Mamelodi.

Mr Mathabathe said the commemoration is necessary to ensure that Mamelodi’s history is remembered with dignity and respect.

The organisers are also calling on prospective partners, institutions, community organisations, heritage bodies, businesses and individuals who wish to support the initiative to make contact.

Those interested in supporting or partnering with the 40th anniversary commemoration and photographic exhibition may contact Mr Mangoeng Kendridge Mathabathe at 072 843 1083.