15 Jun 2021

The 12 victims of the June 14, 1985 South African Defence Force raid on Gaborone have been described as national heroes.

 Speaking during June 14 commemoration Monday, , Gaborone mayor Mr Father Maphongo said their resting places should therefore be preserved as a national monument.

 Mr Maphongo also said the victims, buried at Extension 14 Cemetery, were a sacrifice for everlasting peace and prosperity.

Their deaths were not in vain but would be a constant reminder that everlasting peace could only be achieved if people believed in it, he said.

Mr Maphongo said Gaborone City Council would collaborate with stakeholders to ensure that cemeteries and other places of historical value in the city were developed and maintained to promote national heritage and tourism.

In her remarks, South African high commissioner Ms Rosemary Mashaba thanked Botswana government for its peaceful gesture during the difficult times when it was surrounded by hostile regimes. 

Botswana showed signs of bravery and courage during those difficult times by handling the situation with diplomacy, she said.    

Ms Mashaba said the country also housed many refugees and displayed the spirit of Botho without hesitation.

A raid survivor, Mr Brian Sekwele, said in an interview that he was living in Gaborone’s Extension 2 at the time.

Mr Sekwele said it was only by the grace of God that he, his wife and child survived to narrate the story of that fateful night. 

He said following a tip off, he immediately took his wife and child to their foster parents’ house.

Recalling the ugly scenes of the following morning, Mr Sekwele said the pools of blood found at two of the victims’ home was etched in his mind.

He thanked Botswana government for the warmth and love it displayed towards South African refugees.

Commemorated annually, this year’s June 14 was organised by the South African High Commission and Association of South Africans in Botswana.

Also remembered annually is the June 16, 1976 Soweto uprising during which students were mowed down by the South African apartheid regime.

 June 16 has been adopted continentally and is celebrated as the Day of the African Child.

In Botswana, this year’s commemoration will take place  in Tsabong under the theme: “30 years after the adoption of the Charter: Accelerate implementation of Agenda 2040 for an Africa fit for children”.ENDS