“Never Forget those who fell for us to stand” - Gugulethu 7

“The struggle is not over until all South Africans are free” is a phrase said to have been shouted during the altercation between the Gugulethu 7 and the South African Police force of the Apartheid era. 

The scenery was devastating on the 3rd of March 1986 when an orchestrated ambush took place in which 7 youthful men between the ages of 16 and 23 lost their lives. The seven men included Mandla Simon Mxinwa, Zanisile Zenith Mjobo, Zola Alfred Swelani, Godfrey Jabulani Miya, Christopher Piet, Themba Mlifi and Zabonke John Konile.

Fast forward to 1 May 2024, Workers Day in South Africa, where the commemoration for the Gugulethu 7 took place in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. Leaders of the UDF, Cape Regiments Internal Forces, and ACC felt the highest regard must be shown in remembrance of the fallen heroes of the South African Apartheid struggle in which many have sacrificed and paid the highest price for South Africans to have equal rights.

The event was filled with great excitement during which audience members young and old received a greater understanding of what transpired and happened to the Gugulethu 7 from the perspective of friends and family members. Internal Forces OC Stephen Fortuin also shed light on the uprising during the 1980s and the role SACC members played internally to disrupt the Apartheid government’s infrastructure and operations.

The testimony of the Gugulethu 7 is one isolated case of many others that have not been told where South Africans from various backgrounds stood up against the oppressive Apartheid government. So many stories are still to be told and must be shown the highest regard for it is those heartfelt and selfless efforts that ensured South Africa’s freedom that many can attest to today.

Remembering those who fought and died willingly for South African Citizens to enjoy the freedom of movement and freedom of speech shows the appreciation we as citizens have for the resilient efforts and value-added toward the wellbeing of every South African today.