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Article by Cheera-Dee Robinson
In commemoration of the fallen learners, that were part of the 1985 struggle, were celebrated on the 28th July 2010 at the O.R Thambo hall in Zwelitsha, for the freedom created for current and future generations.
Learners from Nompendulo High School in Zwelitsha were part of a protest on the 23 July 1985 whereby they enforced a democratically elected student body. They wrote a letter to the principal with a list of their demands. The principal was not happy about this and called the police. The police used teargas to disperse the crowd. A group of learners ran straight into the nearby Buffalo River and tried to cross it. Sadly, four learners drowned.
Zanoxolo Mpeta a former learner at Nompendulo said, “After that day there was unity amongst the teachers and students, around the whole of Zwelitsha.” He proudly said, “Although we were young, we knew our responsibilities to our country.” He further, went on to say we could always forgive and move forward for the sake of humanity, but we can never forget. He pointed out to the learners who attended the commemoration, that it is their responsibility to shape their destiny. “What you become tomorrow depends a lot on what you do with your life today.” Mpeta quoted from a speech by late former ANC president, OR Thambo, “A nation that doesn’t respect its youth doesn’t respect its future.”
Eastern Cape Education, Mahlubandile Qwase gave wise words of wisdom saying, “if you don’t know where you come from, how do you know where you going.” Your past is your foundation to your future, "added Qwase.
Sadly, Mfazwe a representative of two families that were affected highlighted that “today we are enjoying the fruits of what our children fought for, and we are thankful that our children fought for today’s youth.” ‘The students, who were struggling, were struggling for something worthwhile because we can see the results now,” he added.
Article Tags: Commemoration, fallen learners
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