Mogale City uses June Youth Month to unearth Munsieville’s rich struggle history

Mogale City uses June Youth Month to unearth Munsieville’s rich struggle history

Not only is the date of 16 June synonymous with the 1976 Soweto Youth uprising but the same date ironically captures another gripping incident by the apartheid regime which is the execution of the Munsieville Four in 1964.

The Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) quartet of Josiah Mocumi, Richard Motsoahae, Petrus Ntshole and Thomas Molatlhegi were convicted in 1963 for disarming and killing a policeman in one of their Poqo (PAC military wing) operations meant to overthrow the oppressive regime.

Understanding the rich struggle history and deep-rooted tourism potential of Mogale City’s Munsieville township, the Executive Mayor of Mogale City Cllr Danny Thupane and key stakeholders have been at work on how to uncover this history. The occasion of Youth Month and June 16 was thus a opportune moment to dig up this yore by not just commemorating those who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of this country but also uncover the tourism potential of Munsieville, coupled with other premier tourism experiences in our city.

In executing the Munsieville leg of a well conceived plan to develop and launch a Liberation Heritage Route, the Executive Mayor held a wreath laying ceremony in memory of these four fallen heroes. The event held on a cold June 16 morning was attended by guests from far and wide including families of the quartet and other key role-players in making the tourism route a reality.

In his address, Cllr Thupane emphasised the importance of celebrating the sacrifices of the icons and further pleaded with the community of Munsieville to learn, know and protect such history which he said significantly added the wealth of Mogale City’s heritage and tourism offering. This the Executive Mayor explained will form part of the intended Liberation Heritage Route that spans the ages, i.e from the evolution of mankind to the establishment of Munsieville. The route will thus include the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site and Munsieville’s Exit House, the Desmond Tutu childhood home, and a memorial stone for the Munsieville Four. With this coming to fruition, Munsieville is not only set to see an influx of tourists but also create job, business and other opportunities for the township’s youth.

Mayoral Spokesperson Mr. Nkosana Zali closed off the ceremony by thanking the attendees for their presence and Mogale City Local Municipality for assisting the families with a seamless exhumation and reburial process.