EFF Statement on Sharpeville day

21 March, 2014

Economic Freedom Fighters marks the 54th anniversary of Sharpeville Day, 21 March, 1960. This is a day that radically changed the history of the liberation struggle in South Africa into international proportions. It was after the brutal massacre of 69 black people that the world finally understood the evil of apartheid.

Sharpeville Day must remind us of the importance of human rights, most importantly the right to protest. 7000 people marched in 1960 against the racist Pass Laws of Apartheid and were met with police brutality. The Apartheid police turned its guns and shamrocks against the Sharpville people to send shock waves of fear across the black world so that they never revolt again.

Police brutality, particularly leveled against those who take to the street to challenge power, is a consequence of an illegitimate government. A government that is not accountable to those it rules over. A government that oppresses dissent.

Today, South Africa must remember the 69 Sharpeville massacre victims by reflecting on the ongoing police brutality against the right to protest and the protestors. We must raise the experience of Sharpville to condemn police brutality in Marikana, in Mothutlung and in Relelah were the ANC government police killed black people.

In memory of the Sharpeville massacre, EFF calls on the Marikana, Mothutlung and Relela murderers to be held accountable, starting with the removal of the Police Commissioner Reya Phiyega. EFF also calls for there to be reparations for the families of the deceased. To honor the memory of Sharpeville is to take harsh and decisive action against police brutality everywhere, particularly against those in the picket lines.

Statement issued by Economic Freedom Fighters, March 21 2014

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