Sharpeville Massacre survivors seek compensation

Survivors of the Sharpeville Massacre, which occurred on March 21, 1960, are seeking compensation from the government. The protest against oppressive "pass laws" resulted in at least 91 deaths and 238 injuries when police fired upon a large crowd of peaceful demonstrators. This event led to the enactment of the Indemnity Act of 1961, which shielded police officers and the state from legal consequences, preventing survivors and their families from pursuing justice.

The Indemnity Act has never been repealed, and its continued existence is being challenged through a class action lawsuit. Lawyers for Human Rights are leading the case, arguing that the law violates the Constitution and should be declared invalid. Should the court rule in their favor, survivors and dependents of the victims may be eligible for government compensation.

The Sharpeville community has been demanding justice for years, but the path to compensation has been arduous. Activists and survivors recently participated in a poignant "silent walk of witness," retracing the steps of the original protesters before gathering at the Sharpeville Memorial to share music, dance, and messages of solidarity.

Among them was Sekolotsa Abram Mofokeng, 86, who was injured during the massacre and still bears the bullet lodged in his body. Another survivor, Elizabeth Chabili, 77, lost a finger when a bullet struck her hand; she now grapples with daily challenges due to her disability. Ishmael Poho, 53, lost his father in the massacre and yearns for justice for his father's death.