Issued by: Truth and Reconciliation Commission
March 11, 1997
The Eastern Cape Region of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission will have public hearing in Lusikisiki from March 24 to 26.
The hearing will focus on human rights violations in Lusikisiki and other Eastern Pondoland districts of Bizana, Flagstaff and Ntabankulu.
Events in these areas made history, especially the Ngquza Hill Massacre, which occurred during the Pondoland revolt of 1960 to early 1961.
Pondoland people resented the interference of the state in their affairs, as exemplified in the anti-dipping rebellion which culminated in the revolt.
The government declared a state of emergency through Proclamation 400 and as a result thousands of men and women went to jail for indefinite periods. About 20 people from Eastern Pondoland were sentenced to death for the role they played during the revolt.
Contact: Phila Ngqumba, 082- 458-8463