A portion of Thornton Road between Repulse and Klipfontein roads, where the Trojan Horse Massacre took place, was declared a provincial heritage site last week.
A plaque was unveiled at the Dulcie September Civic Centre on Friday August 19 to mark the occasion.
On October 15 1985, police hiding among crates on the back of a South African Railways truck opened fire on anti-apartheid protesters, killing Michael Miranda, 11, Shaun Magmoed, 15, and Jonathan Claassen, 21, and injuring scores of others.
Ron Martin, the chairman of Heritage Western Cape’s inventory, grading, and interpretation committee, said a video of the incident had stoked worldwide support for the fight against apartheid.
It was important to remember the efforts of those who had done extraordinary things in the fight for democracy so that we could enjoy the freedom we had today, said Mr Martin, who was 19 at the time of the Trojan Horse Massacre.
“At that time, adrenaline was pumping through our veins. We were at the point where we wished the bullets would come for us. It was a time where we weren’t thinking of the next pair of takkies but rather of ways to overthrow an unjust regime.
“Our parents didn’t understand that; they were scared for us. 1985 was one of the most intense years of activities for the liberation struggle. Most matriculants didn’t write exams that year, they gave it up and fought the system and wrote it the next year,” he said.
Ward councillor Zahid Badroodien said it was important to remember the sacrifices that had been made for freedom in South Africa.
“Provincial and local government have a responsibility to make sure that we recognise and remember the fatal day and recognise the fight of the individuals and what they’ve done for the country. Never forget the sacrifices of those who have given so much for us to be able to sit and meet in places never occupied before across the city,” he said.
Athlone High School pupil Saajidah Samodien said she and other pupils were working on a project that would see Livingstone, Alexander Sinton, Athlone, Belgravia, Arcadia, Mountview, Langa, Cathkin, Rylands and Fezeka high schools declared provincial heritage sites because of the role they had played in the apartheid struggle.
“All ten of the schools have already started the process. We are enthusiastic and more than ready to take on the project. We need support from the community and want you to trust us to pull it off,” she said.
Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC Anroux Marais said it was important to remember incident such as the Trojan Horse Massacre so that they were never repeated.
“These sites must be preserved and protected for years to come. Preserving heritage means preserving history and stories of our country. It is heart-warming to see young people involved. We know that our future is in very good hands.”