By Tabisa Mntengwana
9 February 2009

THERE are several heritage and cultural sites across Buffalo City that hold significant places in the history of the area.

Its history is inextricably linked to the history of the struggle against apartheid, and the city can count Steve Biko among its activist sons. Sites worthy of mention – and a visit from tourists and residents alike - include the Duncan Village Massacre Memorial, the Heroes’ Park Memorial, the statue of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Dr Rubusana’s grave and the Steve Biko Garden of Remembrance.

The Duncan Village Massacre Memorial was unveiled in 2008 by Thabo Mbeki during his time as president of the country. The monument honours the many people who were killed and injured while fighting for a free and just South Africa.

The Duncan Village Massacre took place in August 1985, when a group of angry mourners protested against apartheid and set alight symbols of the apartheid regime, including the Duncan Village Post Office, various government buildings and the homes of local councillors.

They had been attending the funeral of the prominent human rights lawyer, Victoria Mxenge, in Rayi Village near King William’s Town.

Situated in Jabavu Street, in Duncan Village, the memorial also pays tribute to the youth who, during the protests, attempted to destroy a bridge in order to prevent police from entering the township.

At least 31 people were killed and many were injured during the Duncan Village Massacre.

The Heroes’ Park Memorial Complex is on the beach front along with the German Settlers Memorial. It is a foundation established in 2001 to preserve and celebrate the history of Eastern Cape.

Promoted by Dennis Mantsane and Zolisa Sgabi, the complex comprises a Wall of Fame, a Garden of Remembrance and a timber deck. The Wall of Fame includes the names of those who have contributed outstandingly to society.

A unique stone, the Bellstone is found at Breidbach, near King William’s Town. When hit with an object, the stone makes a metallic sound.

It has a spiritual significance for the community. In the mid-1990s, during a great drought, the community of Breidbach, which was once known as Bellstone, would gather around the stone to pray for rain.

Dr WB Rubusana, the son of a senior chief adviser to the Xhosa King Sandile kaNgqika, is buried in Braelyn, East London.

Rubusana represents the first wave of African intellectuals; he qualified from Lovedale College as a teacher and studied theology under Dr Stewart and Reverend Andrew Smith.

In the late 1800s, Rubusana went to Peelton Mission station, where he worked as a teacher and assistant pastor. He translated a number of biblical texts into Xhosa and wrote several of his own works, including the epic, Zemk’inkomo Magwala Ndini.

A poet, writer and teacher, SEK Mqhayi is buried in Ntabozuko, outside Berlin.

In 1891, Mqhayi attended Lovedale College where he graduated as a teacher; he became the editor of Izwi Labantu and helped Reverend Rubusana as an assistant editor of Imvo Zabantsundu.

He wrote various books of poetry, including Imihobe neMibongo, Ubomi buka JJ Jolobe, Umhlekazi uHintsa, Inzuzo, UMqayi waseNtabozuko and Ityala Lamawele.

Mqhayi also contributed seven verses to Nkosi Sikelel’i Afrika, the national anthem.

The cemetery where Biko’s body lies has been named the Steve Biko Garden of Remembrance. It was officially opened by former president Nelson Mandela.

One of the area’s most famous residents, Biko died in September 1977 from police torture and assault in detention. There are a number of memorials in and around Buffalo City in honour of the anti-apartheid activist.

The cemetery is in Ginsberg, near King William’s Town. Steve Biko House is on Tyamzashe Street in Ginsberg and the house was declared a national monument in 1997.

Steve Biko Bridge connects East Bank and West Bank over the Buffalo River in East London, and the Steve Biko Statue was erected in 1997 in front of the East London City Hall.

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