| |
Content
A listing of transcripts of the dialogue and narrative of this section.
|
Structure
The list provides the transcript, info about the text, and links to references contained in the text.
|
Special Report
Transcripts for Section 4 of Episode 51
| Time | Summary | | | 20:42 | This week another side of life in exile came under the spotlight at the Truth Commission’s hearing at Leandra and Middelburg in Mpumalanga. The families of three MK cadres believed to have died in action asked the Truth Commission to help them find out more about their children’s deaths and if possible locate their remains. | Full Transcript | | 21:03 | ‘Report by Rene Schiebe’ // December 16th 1993. The 32nd anniversary of Umkhonto we Sizwe, a historic day as the army’s about to be disbanded and become part of the new National Defence Force in a democratic South Africa. For these men and women it’s a day of achievement and celebration, but many of their comrades who fought and trained with them in the ANC camps did not return home. Some were killed by the South African security forces. Many died or disappeared at ANC camps or places of detention. The families of a number of former MK soldiers are still waiting to hear if their sons and daughters are dead or alive. Three such families this week turned to the Truth Commission in Mpumalanga in a final attempt to try and discover what really happened to their loved ones. Nokuthula Simelane disappeared in September 1983 just a few days before her 24th birthday and her graduation ceremony in Swaziland. Her parents believe she was on an MK mission in Johannesburg at the time of her ...more | Full Transcript and References | | 22:36 | We searched all over for Nokuthula and we never found Nokuthula, even at the border we went to inquire if she’s crossed and to no avail. Some in Swaziland said the ANC people sent her to the republic and we went to the ANC people and they denied any knowledge of Nokuthula. In 1985 we decided to approach the press. Her picture appeared in the newspaper and one police contacted us after seeing her picture on the newspaper and said he knew that girl, because he kept guard at that girl in Vlakplaas police station. And the last time that police saw Nokuthula, Nokuthula was ill and she was severely and brutally tortured. | Full Transcript | | 23:41 | After the hearing Anastina Simelane says she still cannot understand why the ANC remained silent about her daughter’s disappearance. // They say no, she was not a member, she was just a sympathizer. She was not a member, she was a sympathizer. And I said how could she be a sympathizer, because she was on a mission by the ANC to another ANC man and then she disappeared in their hands. | Full Transcript | | 24:16 | The Simelane families say they’ve suffered a double tragedy. Nokuthula is not the only child they’ve lost. Her cousin, Barney Molokoane was shot dead in an ambush by members of the SADF in 1985. Although he was part of an elite MK unit, he lies buried in a pauper’s grave somewhere in Piet Retief. | Full Transcript and References | | 24:39 | We’d like to welcome you here. // His relatives are upset about his undignified burial and desperate for details about his death. // You know, if I’m to measure the popularity of Barney, his contribution to the ANC – the cold shoulder we are getting from the ANC – I wish to tell you unequivocally I’m a bitter man against the organisation, against the ANC organisation. | Full Transcript | | 25:10 | I think the Truth Commission is going to help me to find out what had happened to him, who killed him, how and why? And all I wanted from the Truth Commission, I want that my son must be reburied, because I didn’t bury him. Ja, I want his bones. | Full Transcript | | 25:36 | Another family who lost a child in exile are the Melato’s of Mhluzi near Middelburg. Their son Thabo left home in 1978 saying he was going on holiday. They never saw him again. They refuse to accept the ANC’s explanation that he died of AIDS and TB. // I would have been happy or satisfied at least to an extend if we were told that we’re out on duty, there was some firing and your son died in the crossfire. That would have satisfied me, but not just to remain a mysterious issue. | Full Transcript and References | | 26:12 | When they asked for Thabo’s body to be returned to them the wrong corpse was sent from Angola. This caused the family much pain, but like the Simelane and Molokoane families they will not give up until the truth about their child’s death is revealed. It’s important they say, not just for themselves but for their grandchildren and other generations to come. | Full Transcript | | 26:40 | We’ve come to the end of tonight’s programme. Our team is preparing a documentary on the experiences of young white soldiers who were conscripted into the old Defence Force. If you want to share your experience, please contact Annelies Burgess by fax or e-mail. Until next Sunday good night. | Full Transcript | | 26:58 | End credits | Full Transcript |
|
|
>
