The Mayibuye uprisings took place on the 8 November 1952 at the Number Two Location in Galeshewe. It came as a result of culmination of the Defiance Campaign which started in 1952. The Campaign was meant to protest against unjust laws used by the apartheid regime to oppress black people in South Africa.
On the 7 November 1952, protesters led by Dr. Arthur Alias Letele demonstrated against apartheid laws by occupying racially segregated public spaces in Kimberley. They blocked whites-only entrances to the main post office and defiantly sat on whites-only benches at the railway station. Dr. Letele and seven other leaders were arrested and that fuelled further resentment and led to uprisings in Galeshewe where both public and private properties were destroyed.
When the protesters were marching towards town, they were stopped by the police who indiscriminately and randomly opened fire on them. Thirteen people were killed and seven injured.
As part of honouring the heroes and heroines who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of our country , the provincial government of the Northern Cape will be commemorating the 67th annual Mayibuye Uprising. The commemoration will be held at Abantu/ Batho Hall on Friday, 08 November 2019 where Premier Dr. Zamani Saul is scheduled to deliver the keynote address.
As part of the commemoration and ensuring that the dignity of our fallen heroes of the 08 November 1952 is preserved, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture will be revamping the 13 graves of the victims. The revamping will be done in preparation of the main commemoration to be led by Premier Dr. Zamani Saul and the MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture Ms. Bernice Sinxeve.
They will be accompanied by other members of the provincial cabinet as well as some of the family members of the victims of the fateful year. The ceremony is conducted to honour the struggle icons who contributed towards the freedom and liberation of the country.
The day will begin with the keynote address to be delivered by Premier Saul at the Abantu/ Batho Hall in the morning. It will be followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the Mayibuye precinct before the delegation proceeds to West End cemetery to lay wreaths on the 13 graves.
Details of Commemoration of Mayibuye Uprising
Date : 08 November 2019
Time: 09h00
Venue: Abantu Hall, Mayibuye Uprising Precinct, Galeshewe.
The Northern Cape Department of Sport, Arts and Culture is calling on all family members of victims of 1952 Mayibuye uprisings to make contact with Mr. Joas Sinthumule of the department at 082 762 6215.
The media is hereby cordially invited to the 67th Commemoration of the Mayibuye Uprising.
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Issued by: Communications Unit
Northern Cape Sport, Arts and Culture Department
Tell: 053 807 4782
