OP-ED: A Moment in History — memories of when Katlehong was at war
History has a strange way of reverberating — imperfectly recalled, in fragments, pieced together, and forged into a simulacrum of the truth.
On Saturday, 25 July 2026, Katlehong marked a moment in history through the screening of a documentary titled "A Moment in History." The film's director, Mphonyana Matelile, and producer, Edward Ngomane, hosted the event at Spyland Jova Films. The documentary commemorated the events of 1994, when a delegation, including prominent figures such as Cyril Ramaphosa, Joe Slovo, Robert McBride, and Carl Niehaus, visited the area, along with approximately 50 foreign correspondents.
The visit aimed to observe the wounded survivors of the violence that had erupted across South Africa, primarily affecting the townships of Transvaal and Natal.
Thirty-two years ago, the visit was fraught with danger, as the country was engulfed in "black-on-black" violence. This violence claimed the lives of thousands and left many, including freelance photographer Abdul Shariff and SABC cameraman Charles Mokganyang, with life-altering wounds. The media was omnipresent during these times, broadcasting the horrors of the conflict to the world.
Upon arrival in Katlehong, the entourage was greeted by the Self Defence Unit (SDU) leaders. As the politicians and media members ventured into the burnt-out buildings, shots rang out. Amidst the chaos, Charles Mokganyang was shot in the back and bundled into a car by journalist Jessica Pitchford. The entourage quickly fled, while the crew remained behind to report from the scene.
The Goldstone Commission, which conducted an investigation nine days after the incident, confirmed that IFP combatants had opened fire from a water tank attached to the Mazibuko Hostel. Unpublished footage from Robert McBride provided valuable insights into the attack on the entourage, the ensuing chaos, and the comments made by the fleeing politicians. Shariff's death was also documented through the footage, alongside the retaliatory actions taken by armed SDU members.
In the present day, Katlehong has transformed into a suburban neighborhood, with tarred roads, soccer fields, and parks. The once-abandoned houses now serve as a somber reminder of the tragic events that unfolded 32 years ago. The Spyland Jova team, alongside community members, led a tour through the streets, highlighting the resilience of the community and the ongoing efforts to commemorate the lives lost during the conflict.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Maverick's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
