Special Report Transcript Episode 19, Section 3, Time 11:20

Brigadier Gqozo and the Ciskei authorities did everything they could to stop the march. In the early hours of September 7th a magistrate gave permission for the march to proceed as far as Bisho stadium, where the marchers would be permitted to hold a rally. Razor wire fencing was rolled out across the border with South Africa. Fifty Ciskei policemen were formed up in three lines behind the blade wire. They were equipped with riot control gear. Directly behind them, units of the Ciskei Defence Force were on full alert. They were the last line of defence protecting Bisho. Brigadier Oelschig of the SADF was then in command of the Ciskei Defence Force. He was stationed in an operations room rigged up in the National Assembly building. Deputy commander, Colonel Dirk van der Bank was stationed on the roof of the legislative building. Commandant Archie Mkosana was at the head of the troops in the field. Meanwhile, a march of some 50 000 people were setting off from King Williamstown. At its head was the top leadership of the ANC, SACP alliance.

Notes: Video footage, the Ciskei Defence Force, razor fencing; Aerial view of march

References: there are no references for this transcript