By Nangamso Mabindla
31 March 2008

THE lives of the 32 Duncan Village people who were killed during the1985 August massacre were remembered in East London on Friday, 28 March.

The occasion was attended by President Thabo Mbeki, Premier Nosimo Balindlela, Executive Mayor Zintle Peter, members of the province's executive committee, families of the victims and survivors.

A granite memorial with the names of the people who lost their lives on that fateful day was unveiled in Duncan Village. On top of the plinth is a Xhosa warrior dressed for battle to depict the courage shown by the Duncan Village people killed during the massacre.

Duncan Village became the scene of running battles between youths and police in the days after the funeral of assassinated civil rights lawyer Victoria Mxenge.

Speaking at the unveiling of the memorial, Mbeki said the memorial would serve to remind people that freedom was not free. "It came at great cost in human lives and human suffering. We have gathered here today to say we have not forgotten those who sacrificed their lives so that we can live in our country as free men and women."

He thanked the government for the initiative to erect a memorial in Duncan Village.

"I would like to express the sincere appreciation of our government and the nation for the initiative taken by the people of Duncan Village, the Buffalo City Municipality, the Eastern Cape provincial government for identifying the Duncan Village Massacre Memorial as one of the anchor projects in the province towards paying tribute to those who made sacrifices for the birth of a democratic, just and united South Africa."

Mbeki quoted from the testimony of survivors to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in East London in September 1996. After graphically describing their experiences, some survivors pleaded for assistance as they were still dealing with the consequences of the massacre.

"It is clear that over the years, for a number of reasons, our system of government has not succeeded fully to meet the needs of victims of gross violations human rights as defined for the purpose of the TRC process. It is necessary that all our spheres of government should attend to this important matter."

The government would continue to build monuments like the Duncan Village memorial to ensure socio-economic upliftment and infrastructure development as part of the government's effort to fight poverty and unemployment, the president added.

"I am indeed pleased to learn that critical to the entire planning of this project is the determination to locate this heritage site within the framework of the envisaged Eastern Cape Liberation Heritage Route that will link all relevant heritage sites, which will celebrate all those who played an important role in the birth of our democracy," added Mbeki.

One of the survivors of the massacre, Nontuthuzelo Mvandaba related her experience to the thousands at the unveiling. Mvandaba also asked the government to assist her as she was still suffering from the effects of being shot in the arm.

"I sell apples to make a living; I'm struggling financially and I would like to make a plea to the government to assist me. However, I am happy to know that the people who fell that day will always be remembered for their courage."