Untitled - City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality
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LIST OF CONTENTS<br />
LIST OF ACRONYMS 5<br />
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 5<br />
1. INTRODUCTION AND TERMS OF REFERENCE 6<br />
2. AIM OF STUDY 7<br />
3. ASSUMPTIONS, CONDITIONS AND METHODOLOGY 8<br />
3.1 Terminology and relevant provisions <strong>of</strong> the NHRA 8<br />
3.2 Assessment <strong>of</strong> culturally significant places 9<br />
3.3 Application <strong>of</strong> the Burra Charter 9<br />
3.4 Evaluation <strong>of</strong> the impact <strong>of</strong> the proposed new development on heritage resources 10<br />
3.5 Categories <strong>of</strong> investigation and sources <strong>of</strong> information 11<br />
4. LOCATION AND CONTEXT OF THE SOLOMON MAHLANGU FREEDOM SQUARE 12<br />
5. THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SITE OF SOLOMON MAHLANGU FREEDOM SQUARE AND ITS CONTEXT: A HISTORIC<br />
PERSPECTIVE 19<br />
5.1 Establishment <strong>of</strong> the Township <strong>of</strong> Mamelodi 19<br />
5.2 History <strong>of</strong> the site <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square and surround 19<br />
6. THE DEVELOPMENT SCHEME 33<br />
6.1 Architectural design philosophy for proposed upgrade <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square 33<br />
6.2 Socio-economic benefits to be derived from the proposed upgrade <strong>of</strong> the Square 34<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 1
7. IDENTIFICATION OF AFFECTED HERITAGE RESOURCES AND ASSESSMENT OF THE HERITAGE IMPACT<br />
OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT 35<br />
Introduction 35<br />
Description <strong>of</strong> Place 35<br />
7.1 Directly affected heritage resources 37<br />
7.1.1 Axis <strong>of</strong> original entrance approach into Mamelodi 37<br />
Statement <strong>of</strong> heritage significance 39<br />
Statement <strong>of</strong> heritage impact 39<br />
7.1.2 uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) Memorial 40<br />
Description 40<br />
The MK Memorial: Notable historic associational importance 42<br />
Statement <strong>of</strong> heritage significance 43<br />
Statement <strong>of</strong> heritage impact 43<br />
7.1.3 Amphitheatre 44<br />
Description 44<br />
Statement <strong>of</strong> heritage significance 50<br />
Statement <strong>of</strong> heritage impact 50<br />
7.1.4 Chief Mahlangu’s House 52<br />
Description 52<br />
Statement <strong>of</strong> heritage significance 54<br />
Statement <strong>of</strong> heritage impact 54<br />
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7.1.5 Solomon Mahlangu Statue 55<br />
Description 55<br />
“His name shall forever be held in great awe among the heroes and heroines <strong>of</strong> our struggle. He is the beloved son<br />
<strong>of</strong> our revolution” (Ms Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, 2006) 58<br />
Statement <strong>of</strong> heritage significance 67<br />
Statement <strong>of</strong> heritage impact 67<br />
7.1.6 The site <strong>of</strong> the Mamelodi Massacre in 1985 68<br />
Statement <strong>of</strong> heritage significance 76<br />
Statement <strong>of</strong> heritage impact 76<br />
7.2 Indirectly affected heritage resources 77<br />
8. FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 78<br />
8.1 Findings 78<br />
8.2 Recommendations 82<br />
8.2.1 The Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square as a historic memorial precinct 79<br />
8.2.2 Axis <strong>of</strong> original entrance approach into Mamelodi 79<br />
8.2.3 uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) Memorial 79<br />
8.2.4 Amphitheatre 79<br />
8.2.5 Chief Mahlangu’s House 79<br />
8.2.6 Solomon Mahlangu Statue 80<br />
8.2.7 Site <strong>of</strong> the 1985 Mamelodi Massacre 80<br />
8.2.8 Conservation management principles, guidelines, and associated recommendations <strong>of</strong> general application 81<br />
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8.2.9 Heritage Management Plan 84<br />
9. CONCLUSION 86<br />
10. SOURCES 87<br />
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ACRONYMS<br />
ANC African National Congress<br />
HIA Heritage Impact Assessment<br />
HMP<br />
Heritage Management Plan<br />
I & APs Interested and Affected Parties<br />
MACFO Mamelodi Arts and Culture Forum<br />
MAHEFO Mamelodi Heritage Forum<br />
MAYO Mamelodi Youth Organisation<br />
MCA<br />
Mamelodi Civic Association<br />
MPA Mamelodi Parents Association<br />
MK uMkhonto we Sizwe<br />
NHRA National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act 25 <strong>of</strong> 1999)<br />
PCC Pretoria <strong>City</strong> Council<br />
PHRAG Provincial Heritage Resources Authority: Gauteng<br />
SAHRA South African Heritage Resources Agency<br />
SOMAFCO Solomon Mahlangu Freedom College<br />
SRAC Department <strong>of</strong> Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (Gauteng)<br />
TRC Truth and Reconciliation Commission<br />
ZASM Zuid-Afrikaansche Spoorweg Maatshappij<br />
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS<br />
We are indebted and give full acknowledgement to the institutions and persons listed below for their assistance and / or the information which they contributed during<br />
the course <strong>of</strong> the study and the research undertaken by us. We do however assume final responsibility for the content <strong>of</strong> this report and the findings consequent<br />
upon the outcome <strong>of</strong> the study.<br />
Angus Taylor and Lisa Greyvenstein<br />
Alpheus Sealetsa and Tiny Mokwena: 1985 November 21 Mamelodi Massacre Committee<br />
Jerry Nkuna<br />
Aubrey Motau, Lucky Moraba, Desmond Moloele, Moses Mafiri, Dineo Mashabele, and Solly Masinga: MACFO<br />
Jonathan Manning and Kushma Anand: Ikemeleng Architects<br />
Ishmael Mbhokodo: <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Tshwane</strong><br />
Nomi Muthialu, Urvashni Moonoo, and Dilona Somai: NMA Effective Social Strategists.<br />
Johann J. Bruwer<br />
William A. Martinson<br />
August 2012<br />
The use <strong>of</strong> information from this report must be acknowledged.<br />
The contents <strong>of</strong> this report may not be changed without the permission <strong>of</strong> the authors.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 5
1. INTRODUCTION AND TERMS OF REFERENCE<br />
Situated at the historic point <strong>of</strong> main entrance into Mamelodi West approximately 20km to the east <strong>of</strong> the Pretoria city centre, is the site called the Solomon Mahlangu<br />
Freedom Square. It is proposed by the Department <strong>of</strong> Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Tshwane</strong> to upgrade the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square,<br />
making it a dignified urban commemoration space, commensurate with the national heritage significance <strong>of</strong> the Square and its symbolic association with one <strong>of</strong> the<br />
heroes <strong>of</strong> the struggle for freedom and democracy in South Africa, the late uMkhonto we Sizwe cadre, Solomon Kalushi Mashlangu.<br />
The site accommodates the statue <strong>of</strong> Solomon Mahlangu and the uMkhonto we Sizwe Memorial, both <strong>of</strong> which form a significant facet <strong>of</strong> the heritage significance and<br />
are an integral component <strong>of</strong> the layered history <strong>of</strong> the site.<br />
The site <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square and the general area, in which it is located, additionally marks the site <strong>of</strong> the tragic massacre <strong>of</strong> protesting<br />
residents <strong>of</strong> Mamelodi by the former Apartheid Government on 21 November 1985.<br />
The current proposal to upgrade the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square provides for a meaningful commemoration <strong>of</strong> the 1985 Mamelodi Massacre, which as an<br />
historic event, is similarly considered <strong>of</strong> special national heritage significance.<br />
The Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square and the site associated with the 1985 Mamelodi Massacre exceeds an area <strong>of</strong> 5 000 square metres in extent. It was therefore<br />
necessary to investigate and evaluate the potential impact <strong>of</strong> the proposed development on existing heritage resources. The investigation and evaluation <strong>of</strong> the<br />
upgrade proposal has been carried out in accordance with section 38 - the Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) provisions - <strong>of</strong> the National Heritage Resources Act,<br />
1999 (NHRA). This specialist report is the outcome therefore <strong>of</strong> a study undertaken to comply with the HIA provisions <strong>of</strong> the NHRA.<br />
The responsibility for the administration <strong>of</strong> the HIA provisions <strong>of</strong> the NHRA in the Gauteng Province rests with the Provincial Heritage Resources Authority: Gauteng<br />
(PHRAG). The findings and recommendations contained in the report are therefore to be considered by the PHRAG as the final decision making authority on the<br />
protection and management <strong>of</strong> these heritage resources.<br />
The report provides the reader with a detailed overview <strong>of</strong> the layered development over time <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square and the site <strong>of</strong> the 1985<br />
Mamelodi Massacre. These sites are collectively referred to in the report as the development site or site <strong>of</strong> the upgrade proposal.<br />
While the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square and the site proposed for the commemoration <strong>of</strong> the 1985 Mamelodi Massacre are currently not protected under any<br />
provision <strong>of</strong> the NHRA, the current upgrade proposal is geared toward facilitating the celebration and legal protection <strong>of</strong> this heritage <strong>of</strong> special national significance.<br />
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2. AIM OF STUDY<br />
The aim <strong>of</strong> the investigation here being reported on, was to comply with the requirements stipulated in section 38(3) <strong>of</strong> the NHRA. For the purpose <strong>of</strong> the study,<br />
these requirements were considered to be as follows:<br />
the identification and mapping <strong>of</strong> all affected heritage resources within the area <strong>of</strong> the proposed new development, i.e. the area covered by the current upgrade<br />
proposal;<br />
the assessment <strong>of</strong> the significance <strong>of</strong> such resources in terms <strong>of</strong> the heritage assessment criteria as prescribed under the NHRA;<br />
the assessment <strong>of</strong> the impact <strong>of</strong> the proposed new development on such heritage resources;<br />
the evaluation <strong>of</strong> the impact <strong>of</strong> the proposed development on these heritage resources relative to the sustainable social and economic benefits to be derived from the<br />
project;<br />
consultation with affected communities and other interested parties regarding the potential impact <strong>of</strong> the proposed new development on heritage resources;<br />
the consideration <strong>of</strong> alternatives in the event <strong>of</strong> such heritage resources being potentially adversely affected by the development; and<br />
the making <strong>of</strong> appropriate recommendations with regard to the mitigation <strong>of</strong> any such adverse effects during construction and after completion <strong>of</strong> the project.<br />
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3. ASSUMPTIONS, CONDITIONS AND METHODOLOGY<br />
3.1 Terminology and relevant provisions <strong>of</strong> the NHRA<br />
The approach followed in the study was to investigate and evaluate the potential or perceived impact <strong>of</strong> the proposed development on heritage resources, in<br />
accordance with not only the requirements, but also the terminology <strong>of</strong> the NHRA. 1 This terminology is premised on the widely recognised concept <strong>of</strong> heritage<br />
resources, i.e. places and objects <strong>of</strong> cultural significance that form part <strong>of</strong> the National Estate as defined in section 3 <strong>of</strong> the NHRA.<br />
According to the NHRA, the cultural significance <strong>of</strong> a place or object must be determined in order to measure its conservation value. A place or object that is <strong>of</strong> no<br />
cultural significance is therefore considered not to be a heritage resource. In terms <strong>of</strong> section 2(vi) <strong>of</strong> the NHRA, cultural significance means “aesthetic, architectural,<br />
historical, scientific, social, spiritual, linguistic or technological value or significance”.<br />
As the purpose <strong>of</strong> the study was to determine the potential impact <strong>of</strong> the proposed new development on places <strong>of</strong> possible cultural significance falling within the study<br />
area, i.e. the area covered by the current upgrade proposal, it means that the focus <strong>of</strong> the investigation (refer section 3[2] [xxxii] <strong>of</strong> the NHRA) included, where<br />
applicable, aspects such as the following:<br />
• the site or area <strong>of</strong> the proposed project;<br />
• buildings / other structures;<br />
• groups <strong>of</strong> buildings / other structures;<br />
• open spaces, including public squares and streets; and<br />
• (in relation to the management <strong>of</strong> places investigated) the immediate surroundings <strong>of</strong> such buildings or groups <strong>of</strong> buildings, open spaces etc.<br />
Any structures or parts there<strong>of</strong> that are older than 60 years, are protected under the general provisions <strong>of</strong> the NHRA (refer the so-called “60 Year Rule”). It means<br />
that no such structures / parts there<strong>of</strong> may be destroyed, altered etc., without a permit from the responsible heritage resources authority, unless section 38(10) is<br />
applicable. According to the NHRA, a structure means “any building, works, device or other facility made by people and which is fixed to land, and includes any<br />
fixtures, fittings and equipment associated therewith.”<br />
It is implied from section 38(4)(c) <strong>of</strong> the NHRA, that the responsible heritage resources authority must inter alia, be provided with an indication <strong>of</strong> all affected heritage<br />
resources covered by the general protection provisions <strong>of</strong> the NHRA in the focus area <strong>of</strong> an HIA. This report complies with the above requirement. It should however<br />
be noted that the responsibility to provide the information so required, has not resulted in the exclusion <strong>of</strong> heritage resources that are not protected under the NHRA<br />
from the study. Heritage resources were investigated with specific reference to section 3(3) <strong>of</strong> the NHRA (see below), and the assessment was therefore not<br />
constrained by the “60 Year Rule”.<br />
1<br />
National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act No. 25 <strong>of</strong> 1999) – Government Gazette No. 19974 dated 28 April 1999, and associated Proclamation Notice R.18, 2000 as published in<br />
Government Gazette No. 21051 <strong>of</strong> 31 March 2000.<br />
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3.2 Assessment <strong>of</strong> culturally significant places<br />
In order to assess culturally significant places, use was primarily made <strong>of</strong> the assessment criteria <strong>of</strong> general application as specified in section 3(3) <strong>of</strong> the NHRA,<br />
hereafter called the NHRA assessment criteria. According to this provision, a place might be considered <strong>of</strong> cultural significance or other special value, based on (one<br />
or more <strong>of</strong>) the following criteria:<br />
• its importance in the community, or pattern <strong>of</strong> South Africa’s history;<br />
• its possession <strong>of</strong> uncommon, rare or endangered aspects <strong>of</strong> South Africa’s natural or cultural heritage;<br />
• its potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding <strong>of</strong> South Africa’s natural or cultural heritage;<br />
• its importance in demonstrating the principal characteristics <strong>of</strong> a particular class <strong>of</strong> South Africa’s natural or cultural places…;<br />
• its importance in exhibiting particular aesthetic characteristics valued by a community or cultural group;<br />
• its importance in demonstrating a high degree <strong>of</strong> creative or technical achievement at a particular period;<br />
• its strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group for social, cultural or spiritual reasons; its strong or special association with the<br />
life or work <strong>of</strong> a person, group or organisation <strong>of</strong> importance in the history <strong>of</strong> South Africa; and<br />
• sites <strong>of</strong> significance relating to the history <strong>of</strong> slavery in South Africa.<br />
In terms <strong>of</strong> section 7 <strong>of</strong> the NHRA, a system has been developed for the grading <strong>of</strong> places which form part <strong>of</strong> the National Estate. Heritage resources are graded<br />
differently as either Grade I (special national significance), Grade II (provincial or regional significance) or Grade III (local significance) heritage resources.<br />
Grade 1 sites (national heritage sites) are heritage resources with qualities so exceptional that they are <strong>of</strong> special national significance. A national heritage site is<br />
considered <strong>of</strong> outstanding significance in terms <strong>of</strong> one or more <strong>of</strong> the NHRA assessment criteria (section 3[3] <strong>of</strong> the NHRA), and is authentic in terms <strong>of</strong> design,<br />
materials, workmanship or setting, and such universal value and symbolic importance that it can promote human understanding and contribute to nation building, and<br />
its loss would significantly diminish the national heritage. 2<br />
3.3 Application <strong>of</strong> the Burra Charter<br />
Heritage resources practitioners have become quite familiar with the Australia ICOMOS Charter For The Conservation Of Places Of Cultural Significance (commonly<br />
known as the Burra Charter, 1999) 3 . The principles laid down in this document are widely used to identify and assess culturally significant places. Suffice it to say,<br />
the Burra Charter proved to be <strong>of</strong> great benefit in refining the identification and assessment methodology <strong>of</strong> the study.<br />
There is no doubt that the most important concept remains that <strong>of</strong> cultural significance, which according to the Burra Charter finds embodiment in the place itself, its<br />
fabric, setting, location, use, associations, meanings, records, as well as related places.<br />
2<br />
3<br />
Regulation 43 Notice 694 as published in Government Gazette No 24893 dated 30 May 2003.<br />
The Burra Charter, The Australia ICOMOS Charter for Places <strong>of</strong> Cultural Significance (with associated Guidelines and Code on the Ethics <strong>of</strong> Co-existence).<br />
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3.4 Evaluation <strong>of</strong> the impact <strong>of</strong> the proposed new development on heritage resources<br />
The method followed in this study with regard to the evaluation <strong>of</strong> impacts on heritage resources has been as follows:<br />
• the determination <strong>of</strong> any potential impact on a heritage resource as being direct or indirect;<br />
• the determination <strong>of</strong> the cumulative effect <strong>of</strong> impacts;<br />
• the assessment <strong>of</strong> the significance or severity <strong>of</strong> an impact on heritage resources; and<br />
• the determination <strong>of</strong> the capacity <strong>of</strong> such resources to absorb impacts.<br />
Generally, an impact is understood to take place when a change has an effect on an existing situation. Heritage resources practitioners know that it is critically<br />
important that the amount <strong>of</strong> change to a place should be guided by firstly, its cultural significance and secondly, its capacity to absorb such change. It is also<br />
accepted that inevitable changes in this regard, should be both manageable and, where possible, reversible. It is important to understand that an impact or the<br />
cumulative effect <strong>of</strong> impacts on a heritage resource could also be <strong>of</strong> a positive nature by contributing to the significance <strong>of</strong> such a resource.<br />
Clearly, the destruction <strong>of</strong> a heritage resource is irreversible and the approach in this study, as is internationally accepted, has been to consider destruction as a direct<br />
impact on heritage resources. Impacts are considered to occur where heritage resources are affected, either positively or negatively.<br />
On the subject <strong>of</strong> direct and indirect impacts, the multi-facetted makeup <strong>of</strong> heritage resources must not only be borne in mind but is to be clearly understood. Thus,<br />
there is a difference between tangible heritage resources and intangible heritage resources or the intangible attributes <strong>of</strong> physical heritage resources.<br />
The reference previously made from the Burra Charter in the report to cultural significance as being embodied in the place itself, its fabric, setting, location, use,<br />
associations, meanings, records, as well as related places, is therefore <strong>of</strong> pertinent relevance. These aspects, some <strong>of</strong> which are <strong>of</strong> a tangible and some <strong>of</strong> an<br />
intangible nature, all form part <strong>of</strong> the makeup and the layering or layered development <strong>of</strong> places <strong>of</strong> cultural significance. These aspects formed the focal point in the<br />
determination <strong>of</strong> potential impacts on heritage resources in the study. For the purpose <strong>of</strong> clarification, the following descriptions are therefore <strong>of</strong> relevance to the<br />
approach that was followed to evaluate potential impacts:<br />
• fabric – the physical material <strong>of</strong> a place including components, fixtures, contents and objects (to this should be added evidence <strong>of</strong> historic layers or layering);<br />
• setting – the area around a place, including the visual catchments (the relationship <strong>of</strong> a place and its parts with its setting);<br />
• location – the physical location <strong>of</strong> a place is part <strong>of</strong> its cultural significance;<br />
• use – the use <strong>of</strong> a place must be complementary to its cultural significance;<br />
• associations – the special connections that exist between people and a place;<br />
• meanings – denoting what a place signifies, indicates, evokes or expresses - this generally pertains to such intangible aspects as symbolic qualities and<br />
memories; and<br />
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• related places – places within a given context that contribute to the cultural significance <strong>of</strong> a particular place, including visual connections and<br />
interconnectedness.<br />
The following additional aspects pertaining to the tangible and intangible qualities <strong>of</strong> culturally significant places were also taken into consideration in the<br />
determination <strong>of</strong> potential impacts:<br />
• view lines;<br />
• integrity <strong>of</strong> place; and<br />
• streetscape.<br />
3.5 Categories <strong>of</strong> investigation and sources <strong>of</strong> information<br />
The following aspects and preparatory work formed part <strong>of</strong> the study:<br />
• The area <strong>of</strong> the proposed upgrade proposal, comprising the site <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square and the Mamelodi Massacre on 21 November<br />
1985, was inspected and photographically surveyed;<br />
• Some information appearing in this report derives from interviews <strong>of</strong> persons who have been involved in the development <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu<br />
Freedom Square as an urban commemoration precinct or who participated in the protest action on 21 November 1985 leading to the tragic massacre <strong>of</strong><br />
protesting residents on this day;<br />
• Aerial photographs from 1948 to the present, sourced from the Directorate <strong>of</strong> National Geo-spatial Information, Department <strong>of</strong> Rural Development and<br />
Land Reform in Mowbray, Cape Town, were analysed for confirmation <strong>of</strong> the development <strong>of</strong> the site comprising the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square<br />
and the 1985 Mamelodi Massacre, and its immediate context, over time;<br />
• Published literature consulted, includes various reference works, which are recorded in 10. Sources; additionally, various unpublished works have been<br />
researched, while Charters concerning the protection and management <strong>of</strong> heritage resources have also been consulted; and<br />
• Meetings were attended with the consultant team, which assisted in guiding the authors in their assessment <strong>of</strong> the heritage impact <strong>of</strong> the proposed<br />
upgrade <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square.<br />
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4. LOCATION AND CONTEXT OF THE SOLOMON MAHLANGU FREEDOM SQUARE<br />
Mamelodi township was originally planned as a dormitory for blacks on the eastern periphery <strong>of</strong> Pretoria. The northern edge <strong>of</strong> Mamelodi was defined by the slopes <strong>of</strong><br />
the Magalies Mountains range. The western edge bounded Eersterust, a dormitory township for coloureds (sic.).<br />
The Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, the site <strong>of</strong> the current upgrade proposal, is situated in Mamelodi West, approximately 20km east <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Tshwane</strong> city centre,<br />
at the intersection <strong>of</strong> Tsamaya Avenue and Stormvoël Road with Maphalla Drive, one <strong>of</strong> the main north-south thoroughfares in Mamelodi West. A short distance to<br />
the south <strong>of</strong> the intersection is a curved bridge spanning the east-west railway corridor which continues to define the southern border <strong>of</strong> Mamelodi.<br />
Extending from the bridge in a southwest direction toward the industrial node <strong>of</strong> Waltloo and Silverton (to the south <strong>of</strong> the railway corridor) is the major arterial route,<br />
called Waltloo Road. Extending from the west past Eersterust is Stormvoël Road, another major arterial route, which terminates at its junction with Maphalla Drive<br />
and Tsamaya Avenue, in the proximity <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square.<br />
The local municipal <strong>of</strong>fices and associated facilities are located in a complex called Mini-Munitoria, bordering the east side <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square.<br />
A short distance to the south <strong>of</strong> Mini-Munitoria, is Denneboom 4 Railway Station, currently anchoring a large shopping centre and public transport facilities. The railway<br />
corridor follows the original alignment <strong>of</strong> the historic Delagoa Bay railway line dating from the 1890’s.<br />
A modern shopping mall called Mamelodi Crossing is located directly to the west <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, adjacent Maphalla Drive.<br />
Extending in a northeast direction Maphalla Drive is intersected by Shabangu Avenue. From the traffic circle at this intersection, Maphalla Drive continues in a<br />
northeasterly direction to its point <strong>of</strong> termination at the H.M. Pitje Stadium.<br />
Bisecting Mamelodi is the Moretele River 5 , a natural divide between Mamelodi West and Mamelodi East.<br />
Mamelodi Cemetery is located to the northwest <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, bounded by Mamelodi West to the east and Eersterust to the west.<br />
To the north <strong>of</strong> J. Letwaba Street, adjacent the north side <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square is a vacant tract <strong>of</strong> land which forms an integral part <strong>of</strong> the<br />
current proposal to upgrade the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square. Makhubela Street between the Mini-Minutoria site and the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square,<br />
originally extended northwards across this largely undeveloped tract <strong>of</strong> land to its junction with Maphalla Drive and Shabangu Avenue, now the site <strong>of</strong> the traffic circle<br />
at the Maphalla Drive-Shabangu Avenue intersection.<br />
To the east <strong>of</strong> this site are hostel complexes originally designed to accommodate male migrant workers. The Denneboom Hostels are situated directly adjacent the<br />
site. Located in the northeast quadrant <strong>of</strong> the site are buildings and a large open shed. Once the premises <strong>of</strong> the Mamelodi Traffic Department, this complex has<br />
been home to the Mamelodi Heritage Forum (MAHEFO) since 1998 and currently also accommodates the Mamelodi Arts and Culture Forum (MACFO).<br />
4<br />
5<br />
Meaning fir or pine tree.<br />
Also called the Pienaars River.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 12
Above: Map <strong>of</strong> Mamelodi and immediate surrounds reproduced from Gauteng – The Complete Map Book, 3 rd Edition, Map Studio, Johannesburg, 2010. The<br />
approximate location and immediate context <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square and adjacent site to the north which are the subject <strong>of</strong> the report, are circled<br />
in red.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 13
N<br />
H.M. Pitje Stadium<br />
Hostels<br />
Maphalla Drive<br />
Soccer fields<br />
Shabangu Avenue<br />
Mamelodi Crossing<br />
Denneboom Hostels<br />
Solomon Mahlangu Freedom<br />
Square<br />
Stormvoël Road<br />
Mini-Munitoria<br />
Tsamaya Avenue<br />
Bridge over railway corridor<br />
Denneboom Station<br />
Waltloo Road<br />
Railway corridor<br />
Above: Aerial photograph showing location and context <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square and adjacent triangular site to the north which are the subject <strong>of</strong><br />
the report. (Google Earth 2012).<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 14
Above: Composite panoramic view <strong>of</strong> Mamelodi Crossing shopping mall adjacent Maphalla Drive opposite the west side <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square.<br />
Above left: Looking from the Amphitheatre on the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square toward the northwest and the intersection <strong>of</strong> Maphalla Drive with J. Letwaba<br />
Street.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 15
Left: Looking eastwards from the junction <strong>of</strong> Maphalla Drive and Tsamaya<br />
Avenue. The cluster <strong>of</strong> trees on the left hand side is located on the southwestern<br />
corner <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, in close proximity to the<br />
statue <strong>of</strong> Solomon Mahlangu.<br />
Above: Looking toward the southeast, the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square is bordered to the east by Makhubela Street and Mini-Munitoria, the premises <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Local Authority in Mamelodi.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 16
Above left: View <strong>of</strong> main entrance to Mini-Munitoria from the paved pedestrian promenade extending across the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square and terminating<br />
at Makhubela Street, adjacent the east side <strong>of</strong> the Square.<br />
Above right: Looking toward the north, this shows the traffic circle at the Maphalla Drive-Shabangu Avenue intersection. Partly discernible in the distant background<br />
at the north end <strong>of</strong> Maphalla Drive, is the H.M. Pitje Stadium, the home <strong>of</strong> Mamelodi Sundowns, the popular football (soccer) club.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 17
Above: View <strong>of</strong> J. Letwaba Street, adjoining the north side <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, and the undeveloped tract <strong>of</strong> land to the north which forms<br />
part <strong>of</strong> the current proposal to upgrade the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square. The cluster <strong>of</strong> pine trees (dennebome) discernible in the middleground <strong>of</strong> this view,<br />
near the northeast corner <strong>of</strong> Maphalla Drive and J. Letwaba Street, are ‘remnants’ <strong>of</strong> an original windbreak which prior to the extension <strong>of</strong> Maphalla Drive from the<br />
traffic circle to the north, bordered the easternmost field <strong>of</strong> an earlier precinct <strong>of</strong> soccer fields in the area.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 18
5. THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SITE OF SOLOMON MAHLANGU FREEDOM SQUARE AND ITS CONTEXT: A HISTORIC PERSPECTIVE<br />
5.1 Establishment <strong>of</strong> the Township <strong>of</strong> Mamelodi 6<br />
The history <strong>of</strong> Mamelodi dates from 1945 when a portion <strong>of</strong> the farm called Vlakfontein 329JR was purchased by the Pretoria <strong>City</strong> Council (PCC) from the African and<br />
European Investment Company Ltd., with a view to the development <strong>of</strong> a black township.<br />
Originally called Vlakfontein, the township was laid out by N.T. Cooper, later head <strong>of</strong> the PCC’s Planning Department in 1947, and in 1953, was proclaimed as the<br />
Township <strong>of</strong> Vlakfontein under the Native (Urban Areas) Consolidation Act, No 25 <strong>of</strong> 1945.<br />
The activities which became possible under this Act would come to be associated with one <strong>of</strong> the darkest periods in the history <strong>of</strong> South Africa. It was the time <strong>of</strong> the<br />
uprooting and forced removal <strong>of</strong> entire communities <strong>of</strong> colour under the Group Areas Act, No 41 <strong>of</strong> 1950, while a string <strong>of</strong> associated laws, e.g. the Prevention <strong>of</strong><br />
Illegal Squatting Act, Act No 52 <strong>of</strong> 1951, and the Natives Laws Amendment Act <strong>of</strong> 1952 marked the institutionalisation <strong>of</strong> the Apartheid regime’s creation <strong>of</strong> exclusively<br />
African urban townships. The establishment <strong>of</strong> Vlakfontein township at the base and on the lower slopes <strong>of</strong> the Magalies Mountains range, was a tangible illustration<br />
par excellence <strong>of</strong> racial prejudice.<br />
The township was planned as a reservoir for black labour required for the economy <strong>of</strong> Pretoria, but with very little industry <strong>of</strong> its own. It was sited directly adjacent to<br />
what was to become a buffer zone comprising the industrial township <strong>of</strong> Waltloo to the south, and the ‘coloured’ community <strong>of</strong> Eersterus to the east.<br />
Vlakfontein was renamed Mamelodi in July 1962. 7<br />
Interpretations vary with respect to the origin and meaning <strong>of</strong> the name Mamelodi. 8 A widely held view points to the name meaning ‘mother <strong>of</strong> melodies’. True to its<br />
name, Mamelodi “is the mother <strong>of</strong> an original and unique jazz style called molombo jazz, originating from mbaqanga, traditional Pedi and Ndebele drumming, Zionist-<br />
Baptist gospel music, and African jazz guitar music. These sounds can be heard every day in the sociable taverns and shebeens in Mamelodi.” 9<br />
5.2 History <strong>of</strong> the site <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square and surround<br />
The original layout <strong>of</strong> the “Vlakfontein Native Location” dated 1947, was compiled by the Town Planning Office <strong>of</strong> the PCC’s <strong>City</strong> Engineers Department.<br />
The layout <strong>of</strong> the “Location” was clearly carefully considered and was based on modern town planning principles that were appropriate for a satellite town.<br />
The primary method <strong>of</strong> transport to and from Mamelodi was clearly intended to be rail based. A large railway station (serviced by a branch line on the southern side<br />
<strong>of</strong> the township) was to have created a focus around which the ‘Main Village Centre’ would be grouped in two square blocks. A ‘Station Square’ to the north <strong>of</strong> the<br />
6<br />
7<br />
8<br />
9<br />
J. Walker et al: A Working History <strong>of</strong> Mamelodi, February 1991; A. Rheeder: Gol<strong>of</strong>elo “We are hoping” - Architectural Model for a Church and Community Facility in Mamelodi<br />
extension 22, University <strong>of</strong> Pretoria, 2004.<br />
P.E. Raper: New Dictionary <strong>of</strong> South African Place Names, 2004.<br />
Some believe that Mamelodi was named after President Paul Kruger, President <strong>of</strong> the former Transvaal Boer Republic. This is explained as follows in the South African<br />
Geographical Names System database: ‘Mamelodi ya <strong>Tshwane</strong>’. From 'Dumêlang', SABC 1986: "Mamelodi is the name <strong>of</strong> the township on the outskirts <strong>of</strong> Pretoria, but is, according<br />
to tradition, the name that was given to Paul Kruger. The full name bestowed on him by the blacks was in fact ‘Mamelodi'a <strong>Tshwane</strong>’, which literally means ‘the whistler <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Apies river’" (http://africanlanguages.com/south_africa/place_names_sagns.html).<br />
http://www.writingtravellers.com.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 19
ailway station was to serve as a bus terminus, with the buses circulating around the township on an ‘outer’ ring road. This ring road followed an approximately oval<br />
route through the township and was punctuated at strategic points by four separate ‘Neighbourhood Centres’.<br />
The ‘Neighbourhood Centres’ would form the anchor to three adjacent residential blocks with the exception <strong>of</strong> that on the east side which would anchor four<br />
residential blocks and a substantial precinct set aside for the (then) Transvaal Education Department.<br />
An ‘inner’ ring road ran on the inner periphery <strong>of</strong> the various residential blocks, and was connected to the outer ring road by nine subsidiary roads, each <strong>of</strong> which<br />
defined the boundary between two adjacent residential blocks. A feature <strong>of</strong> the plan was the proposed inclusion <strong>of</strong> large traffic circles at every major intersection on<br />
both inner and outer ring roads. The inner ring road was interrupted on the south side by a ‘Civic Square’, set out on a direct axial line to the square in front <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Railway Station. The large tract <strong>of</strong> land circumscribed by the inner ring road was identified for future Recreational Development.<br />
Approximate location <strong>of</strong><br />
later Solomon Mahlangu<br />
Freedom Square<br />
Above: General Plan <strong>of</strong> “Vlakfontein Native Location”, 1947 reproduced from J. Walker et al: A Working History <strong>of</strong> Mamelodi. The proposed development <strong>of</strong> a railway<br />
station in the position shown on the “Location” Plan was never implemented.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 20
N<br />
Approximate location <strong>of</strong><br />
later Solomon Mahlangu<br />
Freedom Square and<br />
Mini-Munitoria<br />
Scattered smallholdings<br />
and houses<br />
Railway corridor crossing<br />
Approximate location <strong>of</strong><br />
later Denneboom Station<br />
ZASM Street<br />
Railway line<br />
Above: Aerial photograph dated 1948 <strong>of</strong> the site and immediate context <strong>of</strong> the later Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square (Extract from Surveys & Mapping<br />
photograph, 1948). Extending from the south was ZASM (Zuid-Afrikaansche Spoorweg Maatshappij) Street, which after crossing the railway line, became a dirt track<br />
curving toward the Premier Mine further to the east. Denneboom Railway Station would be developed nearly ten years later to the immediate east <strong>of</strong> the crossing.<br />
The design <strong>of</strong> Vlakfontein Township had been completed in 1947. The aerial photograph depicts a scattered assemblage <strong>of</strong> smallholdings, some with dwellings to the<br />
north <strong>of</strong> the railway line, all <strong>of</strong> which would have pre-dated the lay-out <strong>of</strong> the township. Large portions <strong>of</strong> land bordering on and to the north <strong>of</strong> the railway line<br />
remained undeveloped with footpaths and dirt roads criss’-crossing the landscape. The site <strong>of</strong> the present day Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square and nearby Local<br />
Authority <strong>of</strong>fices (now called Mini-Munitoria) appears to have been the site <strong>of</strong> one or more private dwellings in 1948.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 21
N<br />
Sports Stadium<br />
Inner Ring Road<br />
Shabangu Avenue<br />
Maphalla Drive<br />
Soccer fields<br />
Outer Ring Road<br />
Approximate location <strong>of</strong><br />
later Solomon Mahlangu<br />
Freedom Square and<br />
Mini-Munitoria<br />
Maternity Home opened<br />
in 1956, closed in 1983.<br />
Was replaced by a new<br />
Day Hospital.<br />
New railway crossing<br />
Makhubela Street<br />
Denneboom Station<br />
ZASM Street<br />
Above: Aerial photograph dated 1958 <strong>of</strong> the site and immediate context <strong>of</strong> the later Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square (Extract from Surveys & Mapping<br />
photograph, 1958).<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 22
By 1956 a total <strong>of</strong> 6 000 houses had already been constructed in Mamelodi. While these followed the standard 51/9 pattern, comprising a utilitarian four room house,<br />
the layout <strong>of</strong> the blocks was noteworthy. The houses along some <strong>of</strong> the straight subsidiary roads were progressively set back from the street boundary then gradually<br />
brought forward; and then replicated on the opposite site. The net result was the creation <strong>of</strong> two opposing ‘crescents’, thereby avoiding the regimented rows <strong>of</strong><br />
houses that were used in the townships elsewhere in South Africa.<br />
In other instances four separate rows <strong>of</strong> houses flanked the four sides <strong>of</strong> a minor public open space; in others, a wide wedge shaped portion <strong>of</strong> public open space<br />
would be flanked on three sides by houses.<br />
The land between Shabangu Avenue (Inner Ring Road) and the railway corridor to the south continued to remain largely undeveloped except for scattered dwellings<br />
and a myriad <strong>of</strong> footpaths and dirt tracks.<br />
At the northern end <strong>of</strong> Maphalla Drive, in the southwestern quadrant <strong>of</strong> the land which had been identified on the General Plan <strong>of</strong> the “Location” as the site for ‘Future<br />
Recreational Development’, a large sports field had been developed. This facility, in later years called the Mamelodi Sports Stadium and since 1981 known as the HM<br />
Pitje Stadium 10 , was located on axis with Maphalla Drive, which in 1958, appears to have been one <strong>of</strong> the few tarred roads in the township.<br />
Extending from its intersection with Maphalla Drive and Shabangu Avenue was Makhubela Street, from which the main entrance road into Mamelodi, curved sharply<br />
toward the west.<br />
In 1958, the Denneboom Railway Station was constructed in the proximity <strong>of</strong> the junction <strong>of</strong> Makhubela Street with ZASM Street and the existing east-west road<br />
referred to previously. Tsamaya Avenue was constructed circa 1990 with a significantly different alignment from that <strong>of</strong> the original east-west road in the general<br />
area <strong>of</strong> Denneboom Railway Station.<br />
The aerial photograph dated 1958 shows the development in the interim, <strong>of</strong> an additional road crossing over the existing railway corridor to the west <strong>of</strong> the bridge at<br />
Denneboom Station. The aerial photograph further shows that the junction <strong>of</strong> the road carried by the bridge at the new crossing was the origin <strong>of</strong> a host <strong>of</strong> informal<br />
tracks and footpaths leading to various different localities within the township.<br />
10<br />
Hezekiah Mothibe Pitje was a well known and much respected businessman in Mamelodi who aided many persons with bursaries and loans for further education. The Stadium was<br />
re-named in 1981 in honour <strong>of</strong> his generous support and encouragement <strong>of</strong> sport in Mamelodi. J. Walker et al: A Working History <strong>of</strong> Mamelodi.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 23
Site <strong>of</strong> proposed<br />
hostel complex<br />
Makhubela Street<br />
Above: Extract from town plan <strong>of</strong> the west portion <strong>of</strong> the Vlakfontein Township by the PCC dated 1961. 11 The site to the east <strong>of</strong> Makhubela Street had been allocated<br />
for the construction <strong>of</strong> hostels for migrant workers. A narrow strip <strong>of</strong> land on the west side <strong>of</strong> the township, immediately adjacent to the linear Cemetery was<br />
allocated to Shangaan Hostels and Nguni Hostels. The clarity and intention <strong>of</strong> the original township plan has been somewhat diluted but the overall intent survived<br />
intact.<br />
11<br />
Reproduced from J. Walker et al: A Working History <strong>of</strong> Mamelodi.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 24
N<br />
Soccer fields<br />
Shabangu Avenue<br />
Approximate location<br />
and extent <strong>of</strong> later<br />
Solomon Mahlangu<br />
Freedom Square<br />
Makhubela Street<br />
Pair <strong>of</strong> concrete ‘pylons’<br />
forming the entrance to<br />
Mamelodi<br />
Denneboom Station<br />
Above: Aerial photograph dated 1964 <strong>of</strong> the site and immediate context <strong>of</strong> the later Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square (Extract from Surveys & Mapping<br />
photograph, 1964). Numerous dwellings remain discernible on the site <strong>of</strong> the future Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square and to a lesser extent, that <strong>of</strong> Mini-<br />
Munitoria. A precinct <strong>of</strong> four soccer fields was located to the southwest <strong>of</strong> the intersection <strong>of</strong> Makhubela Street and Shabangu Avenue. A short distance to the west<br />
<strong>of</strong> the junction <strong>of</strong> the main entrance road into Mamelodi with Makhubela Street was a pair <strong>of</strong> concrete ‘pylons’ flanking the entrance road. These ‘pylons’ are extant<br />
on the site <strong>of</strong> the present-day Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 25
N<br />
Soccer fields<br />
Hostel buildings<br />
Municipal sub-station<br />
Approximate location<br />
and extent <strong>of</strong> later<br />
Solomon Mahlangu<br />
Freedom Square<br />
Pair <strong>of</strong> concrete pylons<br />
forming the entrance to<br />
Mamelodi<br />
Denneboom Station<br />
Above: Aerial photograph dated 1968 <strong>of</strong> the site and immediate context <strong>of</strong> the later Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square (Extract from Surveys & Mapping<br />
photograph, 1968). In 1968 Makhubela Street was lined with trees. The municipal sub-station currently extant to the southeast <strong>of</strong> the corner <strong>of</strong> Makhubela Street<br />
and Shabangu Avenue is discernible and so too the first hostel buildings, a short distance to the east <strong>of</strong> the sub-station. The new rectangular hostel buildings were<br />
oriented to correspond with the orientation <strong>of</strong> the existing housing grid to the north <strong>of</strong> Shabangu Avenue. By this date the entrance roads and outer ring road had<br />
clearly been tarred. The north eastern edges <strong>of</strong> the east playing field were lined with a windbreak <strong>of</strong> trees.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 26
N<br />
Mamelodi Traffic Department<br />
Denneboom Hostel complex<br />
Approximate location<br />
and extent <strong>of</strong> later<br />
Solomon Mahlangu<br />
Freedom Square<br />
Municipal <strong>of</strong>fices (later called<br />
Mini-Munitoria)<br />
Above: Aerial photograph dated 1976 <strong>of</strong> the site and immediate context <strong>of</strong> the later Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square (Extract from Surveys & Mapping<br />
photograph, 1976). This shows the extent <strong>of</strong> the development <strong>of</strong> the hostel complex to the northeast and east <strong>of</strong> the municipal <strong>of</strong>fices prior to 1976. The<br />
Denneboom Hostel complex comprised <strong>of</strong> rectangular single storey hostel buildings set around the perimeter <strong>of</strong> large rectangular courtyards. Fronting onto the<br />
junction <strong>of</strong> Makhubela Street with the main east-west entrance road, were the new municipal <strong>of</strong>fices, i.e. at the time the local <strong>of</strong>fices <strong>of</strong> the Bantu Administration<br />
Board <strong>of</strong> the Central Transvaal. Designed by the architectural firm <strong>of</strong> Hartmann, Van Der Walt & Vermooten, on a bleak site which would remain ‘outside’ the hub <strong>of</strong><br />
community life 12 , the <strong>of</strong>fices subsequently became the seat <strong>of</strong> the Mamelodi Community Council, known since 1984 as the Mamelodi Town Council. The majority <strong>of</strong><br />
the early dwellings situated on and in the proximity <strong>of</strong> the site <strong>of</strong> the present-day Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, appear to have been demolished.<br />
12<br />
Reproduced from J. Walker et al: A Working History <strong>of</strong> Mamelodi.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 27
N<br />
Windbreak <strong>of</strong> trees on<br />
east side <strong>of</strong> easternmost<br />
soccer field<br />
Traffic circle<br />
Municipal sub-station<br />
Approximate location<br />
and extent <strong>of</strong> later<br />
Solomon Mahlangu<br />
Freedom Square<br />
J. Letwaba Street<br />
Municipal <strong>of</strong>fices<br />
Makhubela Street<br />
Above: Aerial photograph <strong>of</strong> the site <strong>of</strong> the later Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square and surround, 1985 (Extract from Surveys & Mapping photograph, 1985). The<br />
aerial photograph dates from the time <strong>of</strong> the Massacre on 21 November 1985, at the time <strong>of</strong> which a traffic circle had been developed at the junction <strong>of</strong> Maphalla<br />
Drive with Shabangu Avenue and Makhubela Street. The easternmost soccer field to the west <strong>of</strong> Makhubela Street appear to have been extended toward the south<br />
with the windbreak <strong>of</strong> pine trees edging the east side <strong>of</strong> the soccer field clearly discernible. The bridge at Denneboom Railway Station remained the only point <strong>of</strong><br />
entry from the south into the area depicted in this view.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 28
N<br />
Traffic Circle<br />
Realignment <strong>of</strong> Maphalla<br />
Drive bisecting<br />
easternmost soccer field<br />
Pine tree windbreak<br />
J. Letwaba Street<br />
Junction <strong>of</strong> Maphalla<br />
Drive with Stormvoël<br />
Road<br />
Freedom Square<br />
Tsamaya Avenue<br />
Denneboom Station<br />
Above: Aerial photograph dated 1991 <strong>of</strong> the site <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square and its immediate context (Extract from Surveys & Mapping photograph,<br />
1991). In 1991, Maphalla Drive had been realigned in a southwesterly direction from the traffic circle, bisecting the easternmost field <strong>of</strong> the existing group <strong>of</strong> soccer<br />
fields, and terminating at its new junction with Stormvoël Road. Tsamaya Avenue similarly dates from this period when the existing east-west road between the<br />
railway corridor and the general area <strong>of</strong> the municipal <strong>of</strong>fices (Mini-Munitoria) was realigned parallel to the railway corridor, extending to the Maphalla Drive-Stormvoël<br />
Road junction. Bordering the municipal <strong>of</strong>fices site to the north, J. Letwaba Street had been extended westwards to its current junction with Maphalla Drive. At the<br />
time <strong>of</strong> the unveiling <strong>of</strong> the uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) Memorial by the late Chris Hani in April 1991, the land parcel bounded by Maphalla Drive to the west, Tsamaya<br />
Avenue to the south, and Makhubela Street to the east, was now well defined and already referred to as “Freedom Square”. The site <strong>of</strong> the future statue to<br />
commemorate the late Solomon Mahlangu is marked by a circle close to the junction <strong>of</strong> Maphalla Drive with Stormvoël Road and Tsamaya Avenue.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 29
N<br />
‘Memory’ <strong>of</strong> Makhubella<br />
Remnants <strong>of</strong> windbreak<br />
Open Air Theatre<br />
J. Letwaba Street<br />
Intersection <strong>of</strong> Maphalla<br />
Drive with Stormvoël<br />
Road and Tsamaya<br />
Avenue<br />
Bridge connecting<br />
Watloo Road and<br />
Maphalla Drive<br />
Waltloo Road<br />
Tsamaya Avenue<br />
Denneboom Railway<br />
Station and informal<br />
trade facility<br />
Above: Aerial photograph dated September 2001 <strong>of</strong> Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square and its immediate context (Google Earth 2012). In 2001, a new bridge had<br />
been constructed over the existing railway corridor to the west <strong>of</strong> Denneboom Railway Station. This was eight years after the Square had been dedicated to the<br />
memory <strong>of</strong> the late Solomon Mahlangu. Maphalla Drive had by now been extended from its junction with Stormvoël Road and Tsamaya Avenue to meet Waltloo Road<br />
curving toward the bridge from its junction with Simon Vermooten Road, a short distance to the south <strong>of</strong> the bridge. Note the significant extent <strong>of</strong> the nearby<br />
development in the interim, anchored on Denneboom Railway Station, comprising <strong>of</strong> public transport and informal trade facilities. The ‘memory’ <strong>of</strong> the old access road<br />
into Mamelodi is clearly visible as an avenue <strong>of</strong> trees across the southern end <strong>of</strong> the Square, terminated at its western end by a circular paved area. The trees were<br />
mature palm trees apparently transplanted to this position. Also discernible is the ‘memory’ <strong>of</strong> Makhubela Street between the traffic circle to the north and J. Letwaba<br />
Street, edging the north side <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square. Situated on the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square was an Open Air Theatre, constructed in<br />
1999.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 30
N<br />
Mamelodi Crossing<br />
Shopping Centre<br />
Above: Aerial photograph dated January 2004 <strong>of</strong> Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square and its immediate context (Google Earth 2012). Fronting onto the Square in<br />
2004 was the newly-constructed Mamelodi Crossing Shopping Centre, to the west <strong>of</strong> Maphalla Drive. The Open Air Theatre on the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom<br />
Square was ro<strong>of</strong>ed in 2004 subsequent to this aerial photograph.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 31
N<br />
Above: Aerial photograph dated 27 May 2005 <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square (Google Earth 2012). This shows the ro<strong>of</strong>ed Amphitheatre and shipping<br />
containers adjacent the north side <strong>of</strong> the theatre stage. The Statue <strong>of</strong> the late Solomon Mahlangu was to be erected five months later on the centre point <strong>of</strong> the<br />
circular area in the southwest corner <strong>of</strong> the Square.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 32
6. THE DEVELOPMENT SCHEME<br />
6.1 Architectural design philosophy for proposed upgrade <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Square<br />
Jonathan Manning <strong>of</strong> Ikemeleng Architects has prepared the following statement on their architectural design philosophy:<br />
The design for the upgraded Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square is anchored by two narrative spines.<br />
21 November Spine<br />
The 21 November spine traces the route <strong>of</strong> the 1985 march by Mamelodi residents along Makhubela Street to the Municipal <strong>of</strong>fices, connecting a<br />
number <strong>of</strong> historically significant sites linked the march and the shootings and stampede that followed. Interventions along this spine will focus on the<br />
marking <strong>of</strong> important sites through public artworks, plaques and exhibition boards, and through sensitive upgrading <strong>of</strong> the public environment. The<br />
original alignment <strong>of</strong> Makhubela Street from the 1980s will be preserved as a visual corridor. Original elements from the 1980s, such as the now<br />
disused Makhubela sidewalk north <strong>of</strong> Letwaba Street, will be retained, and where possible elements that have been incrementally added since 1985<br />
will be removed to restore the spine to the condition in which it would have appeared on the date <strong>of</strong> the march.<br />
Umkhonto we Sizwe Spine<br />
The Umkhonto we Sizwe spine links the existing Solomon Mahlangu statue to a new plaza to be constructed at the corner <strong>of</strong> Makhubela and J.<br />
Letwaba Streets and a future Museum building. It is proposed that the statue will be re-orientated to look along the spine across the new park. A new<br />
sloping plinth will be constructed behind the statue to accentuate its importance and to create a vertical surface for a gateway artworks intervention<br />
facing towards Tsamaya Avenue and Maphalla Drive. Towards its north-eastern end, the spine enters a new gathering space, intended for<br />
commemorative events. As the spine bisects the seating berm that envelopes the gathering space, a pair <strong>of</strong> Memorial Walls are planned to<br />
commemorate fallen heroes <strong>of</strong> MK.<br />
The Umkhonto we Sizwe spine is criss-crossed by a meandering ribbon pathway which divides the park up into a series <strong>of</strong> discrete pockets, some <strong>of</strong><br />
which will be paved, others ornamental ground cover, and others grassy mounds. The points <strong>of</strong> intersection between the ribbon pathway and the<br />
spine are earmarked as public art sites. The ribbon pathway also links to a new paved area around the existing thatched Mahlangu house, which is<br />
earmarked for sensitive renovation.<br />
The existing raised amphitheatre structure, constructed in the 1990s, is earmarked for demolition, responding both to input received during the<br />
stakeholder engagement process, as well as information indicating that the building is structurally unsound. The current structure is overbearing in<br />
scale and poorly positioned, creating a crime spot. Its design and aesthetic are deemed inappropriate to the character and identity <strong>of</strong> the square.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 33
6.2 Socio-economic benefits to be derived from the proposed upgrade <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square<br />
Short Term<br />
The major short-term benefits associated with the upgrade project primarily relate to the construction period. Significant opportunities will be created for the<br />
employment <strong>of</strong> Local SMME’s, sub-contractor’s and general labour from the surrounding community.<br />
Associated with the construction activity will be the usual support services that will be established temporarily on the periphery <strong>of</strong> the site – catering for the needs <strong>of</strong><br />
the work force during the day.<br />
The procurement <strong>of</strong> building materials from the Pretoria area will be a significant economic driver – albeit not necessarily directly impacting on Mamelodi - but will<br />
ensure continued employment and work opportunities in the area as a whole.<br />
Long Term<br />
The most significant long term social impact that will be generated by the completed upgrade <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square will be the increase in pride<br />
<strong>of</strong> the people <strong>of</strong> Mamelodi, in being able to point to - and visit - a world-class heritage resource on their doorstep.<br />
The second most significant long-term social benefit is that the completed upgrade <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square will create a significantly scaled<br />
heritage and tourism node within Mamelodi, around which other development and upgrade initiatives will flow.<br />
The upgrade will furthermore create opportunities for local residents <strong>of</strong> Mamelodi to benefit economically, primarily from the associated economic opportunities that<br />
will naturally develop together with the upgraded heritage site. These include – but are not limited to - tour guiding, township tours, the manufacture and sale <strong>of</strong><br />
memorabilia, the provision <strong>of</strong> refreshments and meals for tourists and the accommodation for travellers and the like.<br />
Socially another important benefit <strong>of</strong> the project will be to create a safe, secure and managed heritage precinct, well lit at night. The heritage precinct falls between a<br />
major railway station, the Municipal <strong>of</strong>fices and two substantial commercial developments. The local residents who pass through the heritage precinct, moving<br />
between these adjacent facilities, will be afforded a safe, secure and most importantly an informative passage through the site.<br />
The existing small-scale commercial activity that thrives <strong>of</strong>f the large quantities <strong>of</strong> pedestrian traffic passing though the site will hopefully be able to continue to exist<br />
on the fringes and make an ongoing contribution to activating the space.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 34
7. IDENTIFICATION OF AFFECTED HERITAGE RESOURCES AND ASSESSMENT OF THE HERITAGE IMPACT OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT<br />
Introduction<br />
This section <strong>of</strong> the report closely examines the area or the site <strong>of</strong> the proposed development, and its immediate context.<br />
The authors have endeavoured to firstly, identify any affected heritage resource within the area <strong>of</strong> the proposed development and the immediate surround, followed<br />
by an assessment <strong>of</strong> the cultural significance <strong>of</strong> such heritage resources. This has enabled the authors to identify the individual potential direct and indirect heritage<br />
impacts <strong>of</strong> the proposed development, and to determine the significance and cumulative effect <strong>of</strong> the identified impacts on the respective affected heritage resources.<br />
The impact assessment methodology followed is explained in detail in 3.4 Evaluation <strong>of</strong> the impact <strong>of</strong> the proposed new development on heritage resources. So also<br />
is the difference between direct and indirect heritage impacts, and the effect <strong>of</strong> such impacts on heritage resources.<br />
The recommendations and suggested measures <strong>of</strong> mitigation in sections 8. Findings and recommendations are made consequent upon the statements <strong>of</strong> heritage<br />
significance and statements <strong>of</strong> heritage impact appearing in this section.<br />
The approach followed in this section <strong>of</strong> the report has been to consider the site called the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, and the adjacent vacant site to the<br />
north, as a unified historic precinct.<br />
The site called the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square currently comprises various components which could be described as layers <strong>of</strong> the development <strong>of</strong> the site<br />
over time. These components are the ‘building blocks’ currently making up the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square and are attended to in chronological order.<br />
Description <strong>of</strong> Place<br />
The Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square is a roughly triangular, urban space <strong>of</strong> substantial dimensions. It has significant contrasts, differing experiences and<br />
opposing realities. There is no doubt that a major intervention is required to bring the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square into a single, unified, people friendly,<br />
urban space. New interventions, paved surfaces and well maintained landscaping and the addition <strong>of</strong> elements to properly commemorate the historic events for which<br />
it is known, would all be undoubted improvements.<br />
The Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square is bounded by Tsamaya Avenue to the south, Makhubela Street to the east, J. Letwaba Street to the north, and Maphalla<br />
Drive to the west. Both Tsamaya Avenue and Maphalla Drive are major arterial roads with significant volumes <strong>of</strong> traffic, the latter with a central island and cablestayed<br />
barrier. An east–west railway line runs a short distance to the south <strong>of</strong> the site. The Magalies Mountains range forms a remote scenic backdrop to the north <strong>of</strong><br />
the space.<br />
The local Municipal administration <strong>of</strong>fices and associated facilities are located in a complex called Mini-Munitoria to the east <strong>of</strong> the site. A substantial shopping centre<br />
and public transport facilities anchored on the Denneboom Railway Station is sited a short distance to the southeast. A modern shopping mall Mamelodi Crossing is<br />
located directly to west <strong>of</strong> the Square.<br />
The southern end <strong>of</strong> the Square is generally a well maintained, grassed and landscaped area with scattered trees providing islands <strong>of</strong> shade. A wide paved<br />
promenade, lined with palm trees, forms an easily walked and pedestrian friendly link between the Mini-Munitoria to the east and the Solomon Mahlangu Statue to the<br />
west. The fine quality <strong>of</strong> the urban space so created is a magnet to the many itinerant social photographers who utilize the green backdrops in their image making.<br />
A semi-circular area (at the south end <strong>of</strong> Makhubela Street, is set aside as a parking area for taxis.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 35
The middle <strong>of</strong> the Square is marked by the large ro<strong>of</strong>ed amphitheatre, which currently seems abandoned and unkempt. An unfortunate reality is that the<br />
amphitheatre is largely being used as an open-air urinal, and a covered sleeping area for itinerant homeless people albeit that it still forms a shaded place to sit - out<br />
<strong>of</strong> the bustle and noise <strong>of</strong> Mamelodi. The siting <strong>of</strong> the large amphitheatre and in particular the over-scaled and insensitively designed ro<strong>of</strong>, has significantly<br />
compromised the unity <strong>of</strong> Square. Until recently the ro<strong>of</strong> structure <strong>of</strong> the amphitheatre served as an attachment point for some significant large-scale commercial<br />
advertisements – but the leases on this prime urban advertising space appear not to have been renewed.<br />
The northern side <strong>of</strong> the block is currently an urban wasteland <strong>of</strong> hard baked, dusty red ground with the remnants <strong>of</strong> hard paving – largely now removed – and the<br />
looming presence <strong>of</strong> the amphitheatre forming a backdrop to the south. The space is bisected during the day by an almost continual diagonal stream <strong>of</strong> pedestrians<br />
moving between the Mall to the west and the Mini-Munitoria / Denneboom Station to the southeast. Card-sharps, counterfeit CD sellers and touts operate at intervals<br />
along the pedestrian route, seemingly tolerating the ongoing interruption <strong>of</strong> regular police patrols. Informal hairdressers work on the eastern fringes <strong>of</strong> the space,<br />
with minimal facilities and a continual stream <strong>of</strong> customers.<br />
The triangular portion <strong>of</strong> vacant land to the north, its apex terminating at the traffic circle at the intersection <strong>of</strong> Maphalla Drive with Shabangu Avenue, is considered<br />
to form an integral part <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, on account <strong>of</strong> it being part <strong>of</strong> the site <strong>of</strong> the Massacre in 1985. While no longer physically<br />
bordered by Makhubela Street, the triangular portion <strong>of</strong> land currently defined by the ‘memory’ <strong>of</strong> Makhubela Street to the east, Maphalla Drive to the west, and J.<br />
Letwaba Street to the south, will be developed as an integral part <strong>of</strong> the proposed upgrade <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 36
7.1 Directly affected heritage resources<br />
7.1.1 Axis <strong>of</strong> original entrance approach into Mamelodi<br />
A pair <strong>of</strong> large entrance ‘pylons’ framed the original entrance road into Mamelodi. 13 When subsequent major re-alignments <strong>of</strong> the road system in this portion <strong>of</strong><br />
Mamelodi took place, the pylons were fortunately retained. They now stand on either side <strong>of</strong> a generous paved pedestrian promenade, which follows the exact<br />
alignment <strong>of</strong> the original road and is flanked on either side by a row <strong>of</strong> palm trees.<br />
Both pylons were constructed <strong>of</strong> reinforced concrete with a plastered and painted external finish. Contemporary aerial photographs suggest that the two ‘pylons’<br />
originally supported a substantial sign spanning over the road, but by 1976 this had been removed. The road, first discernible on an aerial photograph <strong>of</strong> the site<br />
dating from 1958, approached from the west and curved sharply to the north at its intersection with Makhubela Street in the proximity <strong>of</strong> the current main entrance<br />
to Mini-Munitoria. The individual plan outline <strong>of</strong> both entrance pylons follows the outline <strong>of</strong> a pair <strong>of</strong> capital M's mirrored about an axis perpendicular to the original<br />
road. It is likely that the designer made reference to the ‘M’ in the name Mamelodi for the plan layout, but this has not been confirmed. Each <strong>of</strong> the pylons rises out<br />
<strong>of</strong> a low square plastered plinth.<br />
Above left: Axial view down paved promenade with ‘pylons’ framing view <strong>of</strong> MK Memorial and Solomon Mahlangu Statue in the background. The later flanking rows<br />
<strong>of</strong> palm trees enhance the axial emphasis.<br />
Above right: Oblique view <strong>of</strong> pair <strong>of</strong> ‘pylons’.<br />
13<br />
The ‘pylons‘ predate 1964, i.e. the first appearance <strong>of</strong> the ‘pylons’ on available aerial photographs. It is however likely that they were constructed circa 1953.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 37
The west and east faces <strong>of</strong> both pylons were indented with a splayed recess - the faces <strong>of</strong> which were clad in a mosaic finish. The mosaic used appears to have<br />
been standard pre-formed sheets using small square glass mosaic tiles. The base colour <strong>of</strong> the mosaic tiles was predominantly grey, with numerous different<br />
groupings <strong>of</strong> white mosaic tiles inserted. Individual red, yellow, blue and black mosaic tiles were randomly scattered throughout. The passage <strong>of</strong> time has caused<br />
minor areas <strong>of</strong> the mosaic to be lost, but the overall condition <strong>of</strong> this decorative cladding is good.<br />
The later entrance gate columns to Mini-Munitoria, directly to the east <strong>of</strong> the two pylons, also use a mosaic cladding – albeit green mosaic tiles in a square recess - in<br />
a clear reference to the original two pylons.<br />
Angle iron standards were fixed at a later stage to the upper half <strong>of</strong> both <strong>of</strong> the pylons, on the respective north and south sides. Presumably these facilitated the<br />
temporary installation <strong>of</strong> banners over the road to announce public events. Both standards are now badly twisted and rusted.<br />
The Pretoria <strong>Metropolitan</strong> <strong>Municipality</strong> installed a black granite plaque on the southern face <strong>of</strong> the northern pylon in 1997. A photograph <strong>of</strong> rows <strong>of</strong> houses in<br />
Mamelodi, was etched onto the plaque and forms an integral part <strong>of</strong> the layout. 14 The wording <strong>of</strong> the plaque, compiled by the National Cultural History Museum in<br />
Pretoria, is decidedly patronizing. A transcription <strong>of</strong> the wording is provided below:<br />
Above: Oblique view <strong>of</strong> northern pylon showing position <strong>of</strong> black granite plaque.<br />
Mamelodi Heritage Route: FROM VLAKFONTEIN TO MAMELODI<br />
Since World War I, and especially during World War II, Pretoria attracted large numbers <strong>of</strong> blacks who were<br />
‘surplus people’ from the ‘Bantu Reserves’ (homelands), trying to escape the overcrowding and hardships <strong>of</strong><br />
subsistence life and looking for work in the city.<br />
A location (black township), named VLAKFONTEIN (after the farm on which it was established) was laid out in<br />
1945 and two years later the first experimental houses were built. This was not successful. However, after<br />
1948 apartheid laws were promulgated and local government was instructed to provide accommodation for<br />
blacks. In 1953 hundreds <strong>of</strong> four-roomed ‘matchbox’ houses were put up at Vlakfontein. The township<br />
population exploded during the 1950s and 1960s when had to accommodate people who were forcibly<br />
removed from communities that were eradicated under apartheid laws such as Riverside Eesterust, The<br />
Highlands, Newlands and other ‘black spots’. In 1967 all new housing projects were stopped and for the next<br />
twenty years back yard shacks served to accommodate the growth <strong>of</strong> the population.<br />
The name Vlakfontein changed to MAMELODI (said to mean ‘mother <strong>of</strong> melodies’) in 1962. Another<br />
explanation is that it was named after SJP (Paul) Kruger, President <strong>of</strong> the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek (Transvaal<br />
Boer Republic) from 1883 – 1902. He was known to black people by the name ‘father <strong>of</strong> whistling’ or ‘man who<br />
can imitate birds’.<br />
Produced by the National Cultural History Museum for the Greater Pretoria <strong>Metropolitan</strong> Council 1997<br />
14<br />
The photograph on the plaque was captioned: Endless “matchbox” houses on the plains <strong>of</strong> Mamelodi in 1954. The people named them ‘matchbox’ houses because <strong>of</strong> their boxlike<br />
design.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 38
Statement <strong>of</strong> heritage significance<br />
The paved pedestrian promenade and pair <strong>of</strong> large entrance ‘pylons’ constitute the first layer <strong>of</strong> the historic development <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square.<br />
The paved promenade marks the original entrance road into Mamelodi from the west.<br />
It is along this road that the white <strong>of</strong>ficials <strong>of</strong> the former Bantu Administration Board accessed their <strong>of</strong>fices, now called Mini-Munitoria. The same route was used by<br />
the white <strong>of</strong>ficials who later worked for the Mamelodi Community Council and its successor, the Mamelodi Town Council, both <strong>of</strong> which were located here.<br />
The paved promenade extending between Makhubela Street and the main entrance to Mini-Munitoria to the east, and the site <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Statue to<br />
the west, together with the pair <strong>of</strong> large entrance ‘pylons’ collectively constitute a tangible memory <strong>of</strong> the original vehicular entrance approach into Mamelodi West,<br />
thereby contributing to an understanding <strong>of</strong> the phased historic development <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square<br />
The ‘pylons’ form an important interval along the paved promenade, i.e. the historic town access route, and an integral group with the uMkhonto we Sizwe memorial.<br />
The promenade and pair <strong>of</strong> ‘pylons’ are furthermore considered <strong>of</strong> aesthetic value with landmark qualities and form an integral part <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu<br />
Freedom Square as an historic precinct.<br />
The two rows <strong>of</strong> palm trees flanking the paved promenade were transplanted into their present position circa 2000 and are evidence <strong>of</strong> a significant landscaping<br />
intervention in Mamelodi.<br />
The isolated indigenous trees planted at intervals around the southern portion <strong>of</strong> the Square are a significant landscaping intervention and contribute hugely to the<br />
fine quality <strong>of</strong> urban space that exists.<br />
Statement <strong>of</strong> heritage impact<br />
The proposed upgrade <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square will have a positive heritage impact on the conservation and future retention <strong>of</strong> the two ‘pylons’.<br />
They will form an integral part <strong>of</strong> an upgraded urban park and will become one <strong>of</strong> the historic landmarks on the proposed meandering ribbon pathway through the<br />
park. The upgrade <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square will ensure the ongoing preservation <strong>of</strong> the two pylon structures into the future.<br />
The pair <strong>of</strong> ‘pylons’ would be retained together with the paved pedestrian promenade and the existing rows <strong>of</strong> palm trees in accordance with the upgrade proposal.<br />
This would appropriately commemorate the historic main entrance into Mamelodi from the west which in turn, would enhance the significance <strong>of</strong> the Solomon<br />
Mahlangu Freedom Square as a historic urban memorial space.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 39
7.1.2 uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) Memorial<br />
Description<br />
The uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) Memorial is located in close proximity to the pair <strong>of</strong> entrance pylons, a short distance to the east but on the central axis <strong>of</strong> the paved<br />
pedestrian promenade. Raised above the pavement level on a low shaped reinforced concrete base, the component parts <strong>of</strong> the sculpted symbolic figure were all <strong>of</strong><br />
mild steel, welded together, galvanized and painted. The legs <strong>of</strong> the statue forming the MK Memorial were welded to heavy steel base plate, which in turn was<br />
bolted to the concrete base. A granite plaque was surface mounted onto the concrete base on the east side, recording the details <strong>of</strong> the unveiling.<br />
Above left: View <strong>of</strong> the eastern face <strong>of</strong> the MK Memorial.<br />
Above right: Oblique view <strong>of</strong> the MK Memorial. Note the damage to the shield.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 40
The MK Memorial originated from a desire <strong>of</strong> the Mamelodi community to commemorate sacrifices by Umkhonto we Sizwe cadres from Mamelodi who had lost their<br />
lives in the struggle against the Apartheid regime. Funds for the construction <strong>of</strong> the Memorial were collected from the residents themselves.<br />
The MK Memorial is a simplified representation <strong>of</strong> a figure <strong>of</strong> a person holding a shield and spear in the left hand and the ANC flag and a wheel in the right hand, and<br />
faces towards the east. The sculptor made direct reference to the African National Congress (ANC) logo, where the shield and spear jointly represent the early wars<br />
<strong>of</strong> resistance, the armed struggle against apartheid and the ANC`s ongoing struggle against racial oppression. The wheel represents the Congress <strong>of</strong> the People and<br />
the resulting Freedom Charter.<br />
Square, hollow-section steel tubing, was welded together to form the legs, sides and base <strong>of</strong> the chest, shoulders and arms and the neck. A dodecahedron (a<br />
platonic solid), roughly spherical in shape, comprising twelve pentagonal steel plates welded together, forms the head <strong>of</strong> the figure.<br />
Two rectangular plates form the front and back <strong>of</strong> the chest and are welded to the tubing framework. Both the front and back chest plates were perforated in the<br />
centre by a substantial circular aperture with deformed rounded edges, reminiscent <strong>of</strong> a hole formed by a high velocity, large calibre shell. The hole signifies the<br />
violent death <strong>of</strong> those being commemorated.<br />
The combined pr<strong>of</strong>ile <strong>of</strong> the shield and spear are cut out <strong>of</strong> a single mild steel plate, now unfortunately damaged (presumably by snagging on a passing vehicle). The<br />
outline <strong>of</strong> the flag and wheel are like-wise cut out <strong>of</strong> a single plate <strong>of</strong> mild steel. The flag is painted with the black, green and gold stripes <strong>of</strong> the ANC flag and the<br />
wheel is painted black.<br />
A black granite plaque on the east face <strong>of</strong> the concrete base <strong>of</strong> the MK Memorial commemorates the unveiling by Chris Hani on 6 April 1991. A transcription <strong>of</strong> the<br />
wording on the plaque is provided below:<br />
IN MEMORY OF<br />
OUR FALLEN M.K.<br />
CADRES, BROTHERS<br />
AND SISTERS.<br />
UNVEILED BY<br />
C. HANI<br />
06.04.1991.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 41
The MK Memorial: Notable historic associational importance<br />
The MK Memorial was unveiled on the occasion <strong>of</strong> the 12th anniversary <strong>of</strong> the execution <strong>of</strong> Solomon Mahlangu on 6 April 1991. The Memorial primarily<br />
commemorates those MK cadres from Mamelodi who paid the ultimate price in the armed struggle against apartheid. It is believed that it also commemorates the<br />
victims <strong>of</strong> the Mamelodi Massacre on 21 November 1985.<br />
However, the MK Memorial takes on a special meaning for having been unveiled by the late Chris Hani. At the time <strong>of</strong> his assassination two years later in 1993, Hani<br />
was seen by many as perhaps the most popular leader in the African National Congress (ANC) after former President Nelson Mandela.<br />
Born on 28 June 1942 at C<strong>of</strong>imvaba in the Eastern Cape, Martin Thembisile (‘Chris’) Hani attended Lovedale College and in 1959 enrolled for studies in modern and<br />
classical literature at the University <strong>of</strong> Fort Hare. He would later recall that it was here that he was first exposed to Marxist ideology which deepened his non-racial<br />
perspective. He graduated from Fort Hare in 1962 with a BA degree in Latin and English having joined uMkhonto we Sizwe during the same year and being by then<br />
already a member <strong>of</strong> the South African Communist Party. This was the beginning <strong>of</strong> Hani’s involvement in the armed struggle.<br />
Thirty years later on 10 April 1993, Chris Hani, by then Chief-<strong>of</strong>-Staff <strong>of</strong> uMkhonto we Sizwe and General-Secretary <strong>of</strong> the South African Communist Party, was<br />
assassinated outside his home in Dawn Park, Boksburg. His assassins are currently serving life sentences.<br />
As Chris Hani’s assassination was part <strong>of</strong> a plot by right-wing extremists to derail the negotiations at the time to end apartheid, there were fears that the country<br />
would erupt in violence.<br />
In a televised address shortly after the assassination <strong>of</strong> Chris Hani, ANC President Nelson Mandela appealed for calm, by stating as follows: “Tonight I am reaching<br />
out to every single South African, black and white, from the very depths <strong>of</strong> my being. A white man, full <strong>of</strong> prejudice and hate, came to our country and committed a<br />
deed so foul that our whole nation now teeters on the brink <strong>of</strong> disaster. A white woman, <strong>of</strong> Afrikaner origin, risked her life so that we may know, and bring to<br />
justice, this assassin. The cold-blooded murder <strong>of</strong> Chris Hani has sent shock waves throughout the country and the world. Our grief and anger is tearing us apart.<br />
What has happened is a national tragedy that has touched millions <strong>of</strong> people, across the political and colour divide. Now is the time for all South Africans to stand<br />
together against those who, from any quarter, wish to destroy what Chris Hani gave his life for the freedom <strong>of</strong> all <strong>of</strong> us. This is a watershed moment for all <strong>of</strong> us.<br />
Our decisions and actions will determine whether we use our pain, our grief and our outrage to move forward to what is the only lasting solution for our country - an<br />
elected government <strong>of</strong> the people, by the people and for the people. Chris Hani was a soldier. He believed in iron discipline. He carried out instructions to the letter.<br />
He practised what he preached. Any lack <strong>of</strong> discipline is trampling on the values that Chris Hani stood for. Those who commit such acts serve only the interests <strong>of</strong><br />
the assassins, and desecrate his memory. When we, as one people, act together decisively, with discipline and determination, nothing can stop us. Let us honour<br />
this soldier for peace in a fitting manner. Let us rededicate ourselves to bringing about the democracy he fought for all his life; democracy that will bring real,<br />
tangible changes in the lives <strong>of</strong> the working people, the poor, the jobless, the landless. Chris Hani is irreplaceable in the heart <strong>of</strong> our nation and people. When he<br />
first returned to South Africa after three decades in exile, he said: 'I have lived with death most <strong>of</strong> my life. I want to live in a free South Africa even if I have to lay<br />
down my life for it.'” 15<br />
15<br />
Remember Solomon Mahlangu and Chris Hani: Build a Society Worthy <strong>of</strong> Their Sacrifice, 11 April 2008 (http://panafricannews.blogspot.com/2008/04/remember-solomonmahlangu-and-chris.html):<br />
information with respect to the late Chris Hani sourced from Chris Hani – My Life, An Autobiography Written in 1991 (www.sacp.org.za); Tembisile<br />
‘Chris’ Hani (www.sahistory.org.za); Chris Hani (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Hani).<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 42
Statement <strong>of</strong> heritage significance<br />
The MK Memorial is <strong>of</strong> great historic and symbolic significance on account <strong>of</strong> it having been erected to commemorate fallen MK cadres from Mamelodi as well as the<br />
victims <strong>of</strong> the 1985 Mamelodi Massacre.<br />
The MK Memorial is also a landmark structure in the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square where it stands, on axis with the Solomon Mahlangu Statue. The choice <strong>of</strong><br />
siting <strong>of</strong> the MK memorial has had the effect <strong>of</strong> enhancing the historic significance <strong>of</strong> the existing paved pedestrian promenade and in turn, strengthening the historic<br />
and symbolic significance <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Statue at the westernmost end <strong>of</strong> the promenade.<br />
Lastly, the MK Memorial is <strong>of</strong> notable historic and symbolic associational importance from having been unveiled by Chris Hani, who in the words <strong>of</strong> former President<br />
Nelson Mandela, had given “his life for the freedom <strong>of</strong> all <strong>of</strong> us.” 16 It memorialises the late Chris Hani and his role in the armed struggle for a free and democratic<br />
South Africa.<br />
Statement <strong>of</strong> heritage impact<br />
The proposed retention <strong>of</strong> the MK Memorial in its current position as envisaged in the current upgrade proposal constitutes a positive heritage impact, the effect <strong>of</strong><br />
which will be to enhance the overall heritage significance <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square as a memorial precinct.<br />
16<br />
Remember Solomon Mahlangu and Chris Hani: Build a Society Worthy <strong>of</strong> Their Sacrifice, 11 April 2008 (http://panafricannews.blogspot.com/2008/04/remember-solomonmahlangu-and-chris.html).<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 43
7.1.3 Amphitheatre<br />
Description<br />
The Amphitheatre was originally designed and constructed as an Open Air Theatre. Closely based on classical precedent, it had a pure geometric semi-circular<br />
layout, with a single setting out point. The theatre was oriented towards the northeast – presumably to minimize the impact <strong>of</strong> west sun on the audience. Whereas<br />
a classical amphitheatre would typically have been a modification <strong>of</strong> pre-existing sloping topography – in this instance the sculptural form <strong>of</strong> the theatre rose out <strong>of</strong><br />
the flat, Mamelodi landscape.<br />
The theatre comprised <strong>of</strong> a raised circular stage on the northern side with a two short, narrow flights <strong>of</strong> stairs to provide access for performers. The audience was<br />
accommodated on a semi-circular set <strong>of</strong> stepped seats - the west and east ends truncated on a radial line at each end <strong>of</strong> the semi-circle, to ensure good sight lines.<br />
Five sets <strong>of</strong> narrow stairs – comprising short treads placed on the broader curved seating - divided the curved area seating into seven wedge shaped banks <strong>of</strong> seats,<br />
the middle five banks larger than the outer two.<br />
The circular stage was protected from inclement weather with a ‘folded’ circular ro<strong>of</strong> – the fold defined by a box gutter running east to west, through the setting out<br />
point <strong>of</strong> the circular geometry. The cantilevered south side <strong>of</strong> the ro<strong>of</strong> was more steeply pitched to avoid compromising the sight lines from the upper seats. The<br />
northern portion <strong>of</strong> the stage ro<strong>of</strong> was however at a much lower pitch. The folded ro<strong>of</strong> was supported on a central east–west triangulated steel beam that in turn<br />
was supported on a series <strong>of</strong> steel posts.<br />
Above left: View <strong>of</strong> Amphitheatre from a position from the east in Makhubela Street, August 2012.<br />
Above right: Looking toward the Amphitheatre from Maphalla Drive, August 2012.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 44
Above left: North elevation <strong>of</strong> the Amphitheatre, August 2012.<br />
Above right: View <strong>of</strong> sloping earth bank, low brick wall and projecting buttress at northwest corner <strong>of</strong> Amphitheatre, August 2012.<br />
The structure <strong>of</strong> the theatre seating was built in bagged brickwork and was surrounded by a sloping earth bank, constrained at the northwest and northeast corners<br />
with a low brick wall and a sloping concrete surface bed. The outer wall was provided with projecting buttresses at regular intervals and the wall was terminated at<br />
the upper edge with corbelled brickwork, to support the last row <strong>of</strong> seats and the metal balustrade.<br />
As part <strong>of</strong> the original design concept a set <strong>of</strong> converted shipping containers was arrayed on radial lines (from the theatre setting out point) to provide<br />
accommodation for the theatre performers and arts and crafts displays. These were removed in 2009. 17<br />
In 2004 a large polygonal ro<strong>of</strong> was designed and installed to cover the whole semicircular theatre structure. This was supported on five substantial sloping concrete<br />
bases set out on radial lines. An oversized rectangular concrete column was provided on either side <strong>of</strong> the theatre supporting the ends <strong>of</strong> a triangulated beam that<br />
spanned over the stage. This beam was also supported on either side <strong>of</strong> the stage with a substantial triangulated steel column. Steel pipe columns on the sloping<br />
bases supported substantial triangulated steel trusses set out on radial lines and which met over the centre point <strong>of</strong> the theatre. The resulting steel ro<strong>of</strong> structure<br />
hovers heavily over the site. The external facetted perimeter <strong>of</strong> the ro<strong>of</strong>, clad with a vertical IBR fascia, further confuses the aesthetics.<br />
Presumably at the time the ro<strong>of</strong> was installed, various structural issues were attended to, including installing numerous ground anchors to stabilize the low retaining<br />
walls to the earth banks on either side <strong>of</strong> the theatre. A light tubular steel framework was subsequently attached to the IBR fascia, as a site for large scale<br />
advertising.<br />
17<br />
Respect this site, respect our heritage, urge activists (<strong>Tshwane</strong> Sun Mamelodi, End July 2009).<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 45
The site <strong>of</strong> the Open Air Theatre had been known as the “Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square” since 1993. In 1996, the proposal to develop the site as a place for<br />
the celebration <strong>of</strong> the heritage <strong>of</strong> the people <strong>of</strong> Mamelodi and a venue for cultural events, was the subject <strong>of</strong> discussions between the former <strong>City</strong> Council <strong>of</strong> Pretoria<br />
(CCP), the Gauteng Department <strong>of</strong> Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (SRAC), and the Mamelodi Arts and Culture Sub-Forum (MACS). The latter was established in<br />
1995 as a community-based initiative to succeed the Melodi Arts Organisation in Mamelodi.<br />
The Mamelodi Heritage Committee was formed later during 1996 to initiate heritage-oriented programmes under the MACS umbrella. One <strong>of</strong> the first such<br />
programmes was a cultural event held at the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square during 1996 to celebrate Youth Day.<br />
In 1997, the Mamelodi Heritage Committee was registered as a Section 21 Company (a company not for gain), subsequently known as the Mamelodi Heritage Forum<br />
(MAHEFO), under the leadership <strong>of</strong> Mr Solomon Mabutho Mahlangu. Central to the planning <strong>of</strong> MAHEFO was to work toward the development <strong>of</strong> a facility on the<br />
Solomon Mahlangu Square for the hosting <strong>of</strong> cultural events and festivities.<br />
At a colourful ceremony two years later on 27 November 1999, the Open Air Theatre on the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square was <strong>of</strong>ficially opened. This was the<br />
first purpose-built theatre <strong>of</strong> its kind in Mamelodi. 18<br />
Above left: Project Notice Board for “New Open Air Theatre on Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square”, showing the project as being initiated by the Mamelodi Heritage<br />
Forum (MAHEFO). Photo reproduced with kind permission <strong>of</strong> Mamelodi Arts and Culture Forum (MACFO).<br />
Above right: View <strong>of</strong> incomplete ro<strong>of</strong> over circular stage. Note various shipping containers radially arranged to the east <strong>of</strong> the stage. Photo reproduced with kind<br />
permission <strong>of</strong> MACFO.<br />
18<br />
Information furnished to authors by Mamelodi Arts and Culture Forum, August 2012.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 46
Above left: View <strong>of</strong> proceedings underway during opening ceremony <strong>of</strong> the new<br />
Open Air Theatre on 27 November 1999. Photo reproduced with kind permission<br />
<strong>of</strong> MACFO.<br />
Above right: Audience at <strong>of</strong>ficial opening <strong>of</strong> the Open Air Theatre on 27<br />
November 1999. Note the absence <strong>of</strong> a ro<strong>of</strong> covering. Photo reproduced with<br />
kind permission <strong>of</strong> MACFO.<br />
Bottom right: Group photograph at opening ceremony on 27 November 1999<br />
with the mother <strong>of</strong> the late Solomon Mashlangu, Mama Martha Mahlangu,<br />
standing in the centre <strong>of</strong> the back row. Photo reproduced with kind permission<br />
<strong>of</strong> MACFO.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 47
Above left: On 22 September 2000, the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square was the venue for the <strong>of</strong>ficial launch <strong>of</strong> the Mamelodi Heritage Route. Addressing a<br />
gathering <strong>of</strong> attendees at the Open Air Theatre, Mr Mohammed Valli Moosa, then Minister <strong>of</strong> Environmental Affairs and Tourism, emphasised the importance <strong>of</strong><br />
Mamelodi as a place <strong>of</strong> historic importance. The festivities at the Open Air Theatre were hosted jointly by MAHEFO and the Department <strong>of</strong> Environmental Affairs and<br />
Tourism. In his address Mr Mondli Gungubele, the then Gauteng MEC for Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture emphasised the importance <strong>of</strong> community<br />
development and job creation within the sphere <strong>of</strong> tourism and cultural heritage. 19 Photo reproduced with kind permission <strong>of</strong> MACFO.<br />
Above right: Minister Mohammed Valli Moosa in discussion with another dignitary on 22 September 2000. Photo reproduced with kind permission <strong>of</strong> MACFO.<br />
The ceremony at the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square on 22 September 2000 was followed by a guided tour <strong>of</strong> Mamelodi, during which numerous places <strong>of</strong><br />
heritage importance were visited. The sites visited included the house <strong>of</strong> the late Dr Fabian and Florence Ribiero who were assassinated by agents <strong>of</strong> the former<br />
Apartheid Government for their role in the struggle in December 1986; Moretele Park, venue <strong>of</strong> the annual South African Music Heroes Concerts; the Rondavels,<br />
associated with the history <strong>of</strong> education in Mamelodi, and the Stanza Bopape Memorial at the Mamelodi Cemetery, commemorating a true hero <strong>of</strong> the struggle who<br />
died at the hands <strong>of</strong> the former Apartheid Governments in June 1986. 20<br />
19<br />
20<br />
Moosa to launch Mamelodi Heritage Route, 21 September 2000 (http://www.info.gov.za/speeches/2000/000922340p1006.htm); Mamelodi heritage route launched, 22 September<br />
2000 (www.info.gov.za).<br />
Ibid.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 48
In the years to follow, the Open Air Theatre until it was ro<strong>of</strong>ed in 2004, and thereafter the Amphitheatre, was utilised by various different community sectors, such<br />
as schools, trade unions, traditional leaders, and traditional healers as a venue. The authors were furnished with information on events 21 , gatherings and festivities<br />
at the Open Air Theatre and then Amphitheatre, which points to its subsequent popularity and historic associational importance since its <strong>of</strong>ficial opening in 1999. A<br />
selection <strong>of</strong> the events mentioned, is listed below showing the varied nature <strong>of</strong> events and festivities held at the Amphitheatre during this time:<br />
• 2000<br />
Performance by the percussionist Gabriel Mabe Thobejane, veteran artist and former member <strong>of</strong> the Malombo Jazz Men.<br />
• 2001<br />
Performance by ‘The Voice’, one <strong>of</strong> South Africa’s most popular singer-songwriters Vusi Mahlasela and his band ‘Proud People’.<br />
Musicians from Mamelodi hosted a Bob Marley Day event in honour <strong>of</strong> the Reggae icon, the late Bob Marley.<br />
Memorial service on occasion <strong>of</strong> funeral <strong>of</strong> PAC Councillor Themba Mahlangu.<br />
• 2002<br />
Performance by the African Queen <strong>of</strong> Ndebele music Nothembi Mkhwebane.<br />
• 2003<br />
The Department <strong>of</strong> Health in conjunction with MAHEFO hosted an HIV-AIDS day on 1 December 2003, which was attended by the then Minister <strong>of</strong><br />
Transport, Mr Dullah Omar.<br />
• 2004<br />
Heritage Day celebrations in September hosted by MAHEFO.<br />
• 2006<br />
Mamelodi Massacre commemoration ceremony.<br />
• 2007<br />
Mamelodi Massacre commemoration ceremony.<br />
The Mamelodi Four reburial ceremony.<br />
Solomon Mahlangu Commemoration Day ceremony, attended by Deputy-President Kgalema Motlanthe, Malusi Gigaba, Fikile Mbalula, and Dr Gwen<br />
Ramokgopa.<br />
21<br />
Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Arts and Culture Forum, list <strong>of</strong> events not dated; additional information sourced from Mamelodi comes alive for youth celebrations,<br />
June 2010 (http://www.bizcommunity.com/PressOffice/PressRelease.aspx?i=356&ai=49140), Executive Mayor <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Tshwane</strong> at Pre-COP<br />
(http://www.facebook.com/ExecutiveMayor/posts/229294823804320).<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 49
• 2008<br />
Mamelodi Massacre commemoration ceremony.<br />
• 2009<br />
The Mamelodi Ten reburial ceremony.<br />
Solomon Mahlangu marathon (30 th Anniversary <strong>of</strong> the execution <strong>of</strong> Solomon Mahlangu).<br />
• 2010<br />
Mamelodi Massacre commemoration ceremony.<br />
Heritage Day celebrations.<br />
Performance by well-known jazz musician and songwriter Don Laka.<br />
June 16 th Youth Day celebrations in Mamelodi which started at the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square; Dignitaries included the Executive Mayor <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Tshwane</strong>, Dr. Gwen Ramokgopa, the Premier <strong>of</strong> Gauteng, Nomvula Paula Mokanyane and the MMC <strong>of</strong> Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture Mr. K Dau.<br />
• 2011<br />
Mamelodi Massacre commemoration ceremony.<br />
Solomon Mahlangu marathon (32 nd Anniversary <strong>of</strong> the execution <strong>of</strong> Solomon Mahlangu).<br />
Pre-COP summit <strong>of</strong>ficiated by Councillor Gwen Ramokgopa, Executive Mayor <strong>of</strong> <strong>Tshwane</strong>.<br />
Statement <strong>of</strong> heritage significance<br />
Constructed in 1999 as an Open Air Theatre and ro<strong>of</strong>ed in 2004, the Amphitheatre is the third layer <strong>of</strong> the historic development <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom<br />
Square. The Open Air Theatre was the first facility <strong>of</strong> its kind to be constructed in Mamelodi.<br />
The Amphitheatre is <strong>of</strong> historic associational importance with its location being <strong>of</strong> equal importance, as it has been the venue for numerous events <strong>of</strong> social and<br />
cultural interest to the Mamelodi community since its completion.<br />
Despite being a structure <strong>of</strong> some scale within the landscape <strong>of</strong> Mamelodi and being on a major arterial into Mamelodi, the Amphitheatre in its current form has little<br />
significant architectural or stylistic attributes. The structure appears not to have been designed by an architect or engineer <strong>of</strong> any significance 22 , and has been badly<br />
altered with the addition <strong>of</strong> an over-scaled ro<strong>of</strong>.<br />
Statement <strong>of</strong> heritage impact<br />
As part <strong>of</strong> the proposed upgrade <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, it is proposed to demolish the Amphitheatre, and to develop a new gathering space on<br />
the proposed new commemorative route, called the Liberation Spine. The proposed gathering space will comprise a seating berm, flanked by a pair <strong>of</strong> memorial<br />
22<br />
An indistinct photograph <strong>of</strong> the original project notice board records the firm <strong>of</strong> Willem Coetzee & Associates.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 50
walls, the purpose <strong>of</strong> which would be to commemorate fallen heroes <strong>of</strong> uMkhonto we Sizwe and the role and sacrifices by other persons and organisations in the<br />
struggle for freedom and democracy in South Africa.<br />
The heritage value <strong>of</strong> the Amphitheatre in this instance is considered to be outweighed by the importance <strong>of</strong> the creation <strong>of</strong> the proposed Liberation Spine as an<br />
appropriate commemorative route. The Liberation Spine will link the Statue <strong>of</strong> Solomon Mahlangu both visually and symbolically to the proposed new<br />
commemorative gathering space and a proposed new plaza beyond, at the corner <strong>of</strong> Mahhubela Street and J. Letwaba Street, where the Liberation Spine would<br />
meet-up with the proposed 21 November Spine.<br />
The effect <strong>of</strong> the proposed demolition <strong>of</strong> the existing Amphitheatre would therefore be to strengthen both visually and symbolically, the relationship between the<br />
Statue <strong>of</strong> Solomon Mahlangu and the balance <strong>of</strong> the Square as a memorial park. The effect <strong>of</strong> this in turn, would be to enhance the aesthetic value <strong>of</strong> the Statue <strong>of</strong><br />
Solomon Mahlangu while affording the north portion <strong>of</strong> the Square aesthetically pleasing qualities which it currently lacks.<br />
The proposed demolition <strong>of</strong> the Amphitheatre will permit the creation <strong>of</strong> what is intended to be a memorable and world-class site <strong>of</strong> commemoration.<br />
To summarise, the loss <strong>of</strong> the existing Amphitheatre as a layer <strong>of</strong> the historic development <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square will be <strong>of</strong>fset by the current<br />
proposal to upgrade the Square which is considered to constitute a positive heritage impact.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 51
7.1.4 Chief Mahlangu’s House<br />
Description<br />
A small scale, rectangular house was constructed in 2000 in a thatched, vernacular idiom adjacent to the southeast corner <strong>of</strong> the Amphitheatre, less than a year after<br />
the Amphitheatre had been completed. Based on the precedent <strong>of</strong> Ndebele vernacular architecture, the house was also provided with a low-walled ‘lapa’ forming a<br />
forecourt and entrance progression to the house. The low ‘lapa’ walls are articulated at the four corners and at the central opening (on axis with the entrance) with<br />
a slightly higher wall. Currently the front façade and ‘lapa’ walls are painted a light blue colour with the front ‘plinth’ line and the door and window reveals picked out<br />
in a darker blue. The balance <strong>of</strong> the house is painted white.<br />
The main (north) elevation is symmetrical, with a vertically proportioned standard steel casement window flanking either side <strong>of</strong> an unpainted timber stable door.<br />
Both window opening have been vandalized and are currently blocked with solid boards mounted on the internal face <strong>of</strong> the window. Both windows have simple precast<br />
concrete external cills - now painted. The lock on the entrance door has clearly been damaged and the door is secured with a chain and padlock.<br />
Above left: Front elevation <strong>of</strong> the house showing symmetrical arrangement <strong>of</strong> fenestration and outline <strong>of</strong> ‘lapa’.<br />
Above right: Oblique view <strong>of</strong> west elevation <strong>of</strong> house, showing crudely daubed warning sign.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 52
The ro<strong>of</strong> structure and finish is also based on the vernacular precedent. Narrow diameter gum pole rafters support smaller laths nailed to the rafters as a point <strong>of</strong><br />
attachment for the thatching. The ridge <strong>of</strong> the hipped thatched ro<strong>of</strong> is protected with a cement ridge capping.<br />
The house shares the entrenched problem (in common with the Amphitheatre) <strong>of</strong> the area adjacent to the building being used as a urinal. The rear façade has been<br />
crudely daubed with the warning, ‘NO TOILET PLES’ (sic) and a similar edict in the vernacular.<br />
No access into the house was achieved and no comment is therefore included on the internal arrangements – if indeed there is anything more than a single space<br />
under an exposed thatch ro<strong>of</strong>.<br />
Above: Contextual view <strong>of</strong> house, now dwarfed by structural column to support later ro<strong>of</strong> over Amphitheatre.<br />
The structure was constructed by the family <strong>of</strong> the late Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu to accommodate Inkosi/Ndabezitha <strong>of</strong> the Mahlangu royal family when visiting<br />
Mamelodi and attending an event at the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square. Chillies Mahlangu, a member <strong>of</strong> the family stayed in the House in a caretaker capacity<br />
from 2000 until 2004. 23<br />
23<br />
Interview, Mr Aubrey Motau, MACFO Chairperson 31 August 2012.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 53
Statement <strong>of</strong> heritage significance<br />
Constructed in 2000 less than a year after the completion <strong>of</strong> the Amphitheatre, the house with thatched ro<strong>of</strong> in the proximity <strong>of</strong> the southeast corner <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Amphitheatre is the fourth layer <strong>of</strong> the historic development <strong>of</strong> the site <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square.<br />
The house is <strong>of</strong> historical associational importance, having been constructed by the family <strong>of</strong> the late Solomon Mahlangu to accommodate Inkosi/Ndabezitha <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Mahlangu royal family when visiting Mamelodi and attending an event at the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square. The importance <strong>of</strong> this historic association<br />
between the Mahlangu family and the Royalty <strong>of</strong> the Ndebele tribe on the one hand, and the layered development <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square on the<br />
other, is complemented by the historic use and location <strong>of</strong> the house.<br />
The house furthermore is <strong>of</strong> cultural and social importance to the Mamelodi community at large and helps to facilitate an understanding <strong>of</strong> the history <strong>of</strong> Mamelodi.<br />
The aesthetic value <strong>of</strong> the house stems from it being a landmark structure in its own right where it stands on the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square.<br />
Statement <strong>of</strong> heritage impact<br />
Considering the conservation value <strong>of</strong> the house, the proposed demolition <strong>of</strong> the existing Amphitheatre constitutes a positive heritage impact as the house would no<br />
longer be dwarfed by an over-scaled structure such as the Amphitheatre.<br />
The development <strong>of</strong> a new gathering space with memorial walls to the north <strong>of</strong> the existing house would be more in keeping with the character and identity <strong>of</strong> the<br />
house while the provision <strong>of</strong> a new paved area around the house, linked to a proposed new ribbon pathway, promises to better contextualise the house as an<br />
integral part <strong>of</strong> the layered historic development <strong>of</strong> the Square. This equally constitutes a positive heritage impact.<br />
The upgrade proposal provides for the renovation <strong>of</strong> the house and this also represents a positive heritage impact as it would enhance the heritage value <strong>of</strong> the<br />
house and ensure its retention in the future.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 54
7.1.5 Solomon Mahlangu Statue<br />
Description<br />
The statue comprises <strong>of</strong> a substantial and imposing bronze statue <strong>of</strong> Solomon Mahlangu mounted on a large pedestal, in the centre <strong>of</strong> a circular paved area. It is<br />
sited at the most prominent and visible corner <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square. The statue lies on the center line <strong>of</strong> the original access road into<br />
Mamelodi and provides a strong anchor to the promenade and this portion <strong>of</strong> the Square.<br />
The statue is a once <strong>of</strong>f casting, using the “lost-wax” process, approximately twice life-size, sculpted by Angus Taylor, a prominent Pretoria sculptor. It depicts<br />
Solomon Mahlangu in MK combat uniform, with laced leather boots, a beret under his left epaulette and ‘standing at ease’ with his legs slightly apart. His left hand is<br />
at rest behind his back; the<br />
Above: View <strong>of</strong> Solomon Mahlangu Statue from west with bronze name circumscribing the upper portion <strong>of</strong> this side <strong>of</strong> the plinth. Note the paved circular area<br />
surrounding the Statue with paving pattern clearly visible. Note the missing bronze plaques on the plinth <strong>of</strong> the Statue and the densely treed backdrop. Photo<br />
reproduced with kind permission <strong>of</strong> Angus Taylor.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 55
forearm <strong>of</strong> the right arm extends outwards with his palm facing upwards and supporting a sphere or ‘world <strong>of</strong> opportunity’. The bronze statue stands on a thin slab<br />
<strong>of</strong> polished black granite through which it is fixed onto the concrete sub-structure <strong>of</strong> the plinth below.<br />
The plinth has an oval plan and is faced with roughly formed black granite cobbles set in mortar. The finished face <strong>of</strong> the cobbles has a slight batter to the lower two<br />
thirds <strong>of</strong> the shaft providing the necessary sense <strong>of</strong> stability. On the west facing elevation, one course below the granite capping, a broad projecting plaster band<br />
accommodates some bold bronze letters in a plain font, spelling out the name: “Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu”.<br />
A series <strong>of</strong> decorative square plaques was mounted on the north and south elevations on square plastered surfaces – directly below the projecting plaster band – but<br />
these plaques have sadly been removed for their scrap value in the intervening period since the statue was erected. Square bronze plaques were also mounted at<br />
low level on both east and west elevations on a raised plastered surface – but unfortunately both plaques have also been stolen for scrap. The wording on these two<br />
Above: View <strong>of</strong> Solomon Mahlangu Statue from east, looking towards the intersection <strong>of</strong> Maphalla Drive with Stormvoël Road and Tsamaya Avenue. Two <strong>of</strong> the<br />
original bronze plaques were still extant on the north side <strong>of</strong> the plinth but these have since been removed. . Photo reproduced with kind permission <strong>of</strong> Angus<br />
Taylor.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 56
plaques has not been determined.<br />
The oval plinth resembles the trunk <strong>of</strong> a substantial tree and the landscape designer who set out the gardens in the proximity to the statue, decided to impose a<br />
series <strong>of</strong> graphic ‘roots’ onto the paving. These emanate from the base <strong>of</strong> the statue as broad, flowing charcoal bands, which finally break down into smaller and<br />
smaller ‘roots’ within a field <strong>of</strong> light, brown paving.<br />
Above: View <strong>of</strong> Solomon Mahlangu Statue from north, clearly showing the sphere or “world <strong>of</strong> opportunity” conceptualised by the sculptor Angus Taylor. Four <strong>of</strong> the<br />
bronze plaques were still visible at the time this photo was taken. Photo reproduced with kind permission <strong>of</strong> Angus Taylor.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 57
“His name shall forever be held in great awe among the heroes and heroines <strong>of</strong> our<br />
struggle. He is the beloved son <strong>of</strong> our revolution.” 24<br />
Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu was born at Doornkop, Middelburg in Mpumalanga (former Eastern<br />
Transvaal) on 10 July 1956. He was the second son <strong>of</strong> Martha Yebona Mahlangu, his father having left<br />
the family in 1962. With her meagre earnings as a domestic worker, Mama Mahlangu was left to take<br />
responsibility for the upbringing <strong>of</strong> Solomon and his siblings.<br />
Solomon Mahlangu attended Mamelodi High School and was in Grade 10 at the time <strong>of</strong> the Soweto<br />
Uprising in 1976 when the school was closed due to ongoing riots. In October 1976, Solomon<br />
Mahlangu, then 20 years old, left Mamelodi together with a friend <strong>of</strong> his, Themba Nkosi. The latter’s<br />
father would subsequently inform the Mahlangu family that the young Solomon and Themba had left to<br />
join the African National Congress (ANC) in exile. At a hearing <strong>of</strong> the Truth and Reconciliation<br />
Commission twenty years later in May 1996, Mama Mahlangu would recall her late son Solomon having<br />
grown up like any other child. He wanted to further his studies, do woodwork and become a teacher<br />
but never informed her <strong>of</strong> his plan to leave.<br />
After arriving in Mozambique together with Thomas Masuku and Richard Chauke, Solomon Mahlangu<br />
and Themba Nkosi spent six months at the Xai Xai refugee camp before relocating to an ANC training<br />
facility, called Engineering, in Angola. Solomon Mahlangu was subsequently assigned to a training unit<br />
comprising 10 men under the leadership <strong>of</strong> Julius Mokoena. George ‘Lucky’ Mahlangu and Monty<br />
Johannes Motloung were both members <strong>of</strong> the team. The team was trained at a facility called Funda<br />
Camp, with their training comprising crash courses in sabotage, military combat, scouting and political<br />
education.<br />
Sometime after the beginning <strong>of</strong> June 1977, Solomon Mahlangu and the other members <strong>of</strong> his team,<br />
now as trained uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) cadres, left Angola for Mozambique, their mission being to join<br />
the student protests commemorating the June 16 Uprising. At Namatswa on the Swaziland border, they<br />
were met by Collin Ramusi who took them to a safe house in Mbabane. Here they were briefed by<br />
Siphiwe Nyanda, then Commander <strong>of</strong> MK Urban Operations, after which the team was divided into<br />
operational cells <strong>of</strong> three cadres each.<br />
24<br />
Ms Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, then Deputy-President, on the occasion <strong>of</strong> the Inaugural Lecture <strong>of</strong> Solomon Mahlangu at the Apartheid Museum, Johannesburg, 27 June 2006<br />
(http://www.polity.org.za/article/mlambongcuka-inaugural-lecture-<strong>of</strong>-solomon-mahlangu-27062006-2006-06-27); the information appearing in this section where not referenced,<br />
comes from one <strong>of</strong> the following sources: National orders awards 27 September 2005, Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu (1956 – 1979), The Order <strong>of</strong> Mendi for Bravery in Gold for<br />
bravery and sacrificing his life for freedom and democracy in South Africa (www.info.gov.za); Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Human Rights Violations, Submissions –<br />
Questions and Answers, Case GO\0182 – Johannesburg, Day 4, 3 May 1996 (www.justice.gov.za); The Trial 1977-1978 SA History Online – towards a people’s history<br />
(www.sahistory.org.za); Solomon Mahlangu remembered, April 1 2009 (http://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/solomon-mahlangu-remembered-1.438843); Remember Solomon<br />
Mahlangu and Chris Hani: Build a Society Worthy <strong>of</strong> Their Sacrifice, 11 April 2008 (http://panafricannews.blogspot.com/2008/04/remember-solomon-mahlangu-and-chris.html);<br />
“Solomon Mahlangu: Fighter Against Apartheid”: Speech by E.S. Reddy, Director <strong>of</strong> the UN Centre against Apartheid at a meeting <strong>of</strong> the Presidential Committee <strong>of</strong> the World Peace<br />
Council, Prague, 11 April 1970 (www.anc.org.za); ANC statement on the execution <strong>of</strong> Solomon Mahlangu, 6 April 1979 (www.anc.org.za).<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 58
Solomon Mahlangu was assigned to a cell together with Lucky Mahlangu and Monty Motloung, with the three <strong>of</strong> them crossing the border into South Africa on 11<br />
June 1977.<br />
Two days later on 13 June 1977, the trio were in Johannesburg at the Diagonal Street taxi rank from which they planned to travel to Soweto. It was three days prior<br />
to the first anniversary <strong>of</strong> the 1976 Soweto Uprising and there was a strong presence <strong>of</strong> police. While boarding a taxi with their large bags, the trio was confronted<br />
by a policeman who insisted to know what they were carrying, grabbing one <strong>of</strong> the bags and causing an AK-47 rifle and hand grenade to fall from the bag, leaving<br />
the policeman running for cover. The trio panicked and ran away from the taxi rank. Lucky Mahlangu ran in the direction <strong>of</strong> Johannesburg Park Station and<br />
managed to avoid being arrested.<br />
Solomon Mahlangu and Monty Motloung fled towards Fordsburg along Jeppe Street, little knowing that they were approaching John Vorster Square, the most<br />
notorious police station by then in South Africa. It appear that Monty Motloung got into a tug-<strong>of</strong>-war with an <strong>of</strong>f-duty policeman but managed to elude capture, with<br />
the policeman then firing at the two, wounding Solomon Mahlangu in the ankle. The two continued running with Solomon Mahlangu running slightly ahead <strong>of</strong> Monty<br />
Motloung as they turned left into Goch Street, where Solomon Mahlangu took cover inside John Orr’s warehouse. Desperately trying to find his comrade, Monty<br />
Motloung entered the warehouse, panicked, and fatally wounded two John Orr’s employees, Rupert Kassner and Kenneth Wolfendale. Two other John Orr<br />
employees were wounded. Within minutes the warehouse was surrounded by police whereupon Solomon Mahlangu and Monty Motloung were apprehended and<br />
taken to nearby John Vorster Square, but not before being beaten by onlookers and the police.<br />
At a hearing <strong>of</strong> the TRC’s Amnesty Committee 24 years later in 2001, Andries Johannes Van Heerden was granted amnesty under the Promotion <strong>of</strong> National Unity<br />
and Reconciliation Act, 1995, with respect to his assault on Solomon Mahlangu at the scene <strong>of</strong> the shooting. The Amnesty Committee found Van Heerden to have<br />
slapped...(Solomon Mahlangu) several times and also (to have) hit him several times with his fist. “...it is so that the Applicant’s version before the Amnesty<br />
Committee stands unchallenged because the victim, Solomon Mahlangu, was arrested, charged, tried, convicted, sentenced to death and ultimately hanged. ‘Dead<br />
men tell no tales’. His colleague, a certain Motloung, sustained severe injuries when they were apprehended...He was declared a State President’s patient (and<br />
remained so until his death in 2007).” 25 Monty Motloung was declared mentally unfit to stand trial by clinical psychologist Anna Venter.<br />
Solomon Mahlangu was thereupon charged with two counts <strong>of</strong> murder, two <strong>of</strong> attempted murder and several charges <strong>of</strong> sabotage under the Terrorism Act <strong>of</strong> 1967.<br />
The trial started on 7 November 1977 with Mama Martha Mahlangu, having sought the assistance <strong>of</strong> advocate Ismail Ayob & Partners to defend her son. The<br />
defence team included Ismail Mohammed, Clifford Mailer and Priscilla Jana. Solomon Mahlangu pleaded not guilty to all charges. While it was Monty Motloung who<br />
shot and killed Rupert Kassner and Kenneth Wolfendale and was responsible for wounding the two other John Orr employees, it was argued by the prosecution<br />
under the law <strong>of</strong> Common Purpose that Solomon Mahlangu had shared intent with Monty Motloung and Lucky Mahlangu, making him guilty <strong>of</strong> murder. The State<br />
demanded the death penalty and Solomon Mahlangu was sentenced to death by hanging on 2 March 1978.<br />
Mama Mahlangu attended the court hearing and was left feeling totally devastated. Having lost her job because <strong>of</strong> her not being able to go to work and then being<br />
confronted with the reality that she was going to lose one <strong>of</strong> her children, “was very painful, as a parent you know how the heart feels, when you hear that word.<br />
We know we are all going to die but we don’t know how it will happen, but if you are told that your child is going to be killed it is very very painful as a parent.” 26<br />
On 15 June 1978 the Rand Supreme Court refused Solomon Mahlangu leave to appeal his sentence, and on 24 July 1978 the Bloemfontein Appeal Court again turned<br />
him down. He was left to await his execution in Pretoria Central Prison.<br />
25<br />
26<br />
Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Amnesty Committee, AC/2001/242, Applicant - Andries Johannes Van Heerden (www.justice.gov.za).<br />
Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Human Rights Violations, Submissions – Questions and Answers, Case GO\0182 – Johannesburg, Day 4, 3 May 1996 (www.justice.gov.za).<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 59
Above left: Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu (Photo reproduced from National Digital Repository, Solomon Mahlangu (http://ndr.org.za/cultures/stories/114).<br />
Above right: Solomon Mahlangu being escorted from courtroom by policemen, 1978 (Photo reproduced from The Trial 1977-1978 SA History Online – towards a<br />
people’s history, South African National Repository (www.sahistory.org.za).<br />
The reaction to the planned execution <strong>of</strong> Solomon Mahlangu was unprecedented with the international community calling upon the Apartheid Government to<br />
acknowledge the status <strong>of</strong> all South African freedom fighters as prisoners-<strong>of</strong>-war. Many heads <strong>of</strong> state, governments, and numerous organisations worldwide<br />
pleaded with the Pretoria regime to spare the life <strong>of</strong> Solomon Mahlangu but to no avail as this was seen by the defiant Government in Pretoria as unwarranted<br />
interference in something which did not concern the ‘outside’ world.<br />
As the international community continued unabated to plead with the Government in Pretoria, the date <strong>of</strong> the proposed execution was set for 6 April 1979. “The<br />
then UN Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim issued a "solemn call" to South Africa to halt the execution; all over Europe people held vigils and pickets at South African<br />
embassies until the morning <strong>of</strong> the execution. The call for sanctions against South Africa intensified. Inside the country political organisations protested; signatures<br />
were collected to stop the execution; a vigil was held outside the Mahlangu family home in Mamelodi...” 27<br />
27<br />
Remember Solomon Mahlangu and Chris Hani: Build a Society Worthy <strong>of</strong> Their Sacrifice, 11 April 2008 (panafricannews.blogspot.com).<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 60
Above: “Time ticks away for Mahlangu”, Rand Daily Mail, 5 April 1979. Reproduced from http://www.sahistory.org.za/content/time-ticks-away-mahlangu-rand-dailymail-article-april-1979.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 61
On 6 April 1979, Solomon Mahlangu, then 23 years old, was led to the gallows. Before meeting his death, he is said to have raised his hand in the ANC salute, and<br />
spoke these inspiring and prophetic last words:<br />
“My blood will nourish the tree that will bear the fruits <strong>of</strong> freedom. Tell my people that I love them. They must continue the fight.” 28<br />
The ANC in a statement on the execution, acknowledged the status <strong>of</strong> the late Solomon Mahlangu as being that <strong>of</strong> a hero <strong>of</strong> the struggle for a just and democratic<br />
order in South Africa: “The African National Congress wishes it to be known that this act <strong>of</strong> murder will not go unpunished. Nor will this murder, deep felt to our<br />
people and our movement, deter the ANC from intensifying the struggle. By making the supreme sacrifice Solomon Mahlangu has demonstrated the most noble<br />
qualities <strong>of</strong> a true patriot. This reflects the fighting spirit <strong>of</strong> our people. The African National Congress salutes Solomon Mahlangu hero <strong>of</strong> our struggle. We salute<br />
the courage <strong>of</strong> Martha Mahlangu and family.” 29<br />
It was widely believed that the execution date was set to coincide with the 327 th anniversary <strong>of</strong> the landing <strong>of</strong> Jan Van Riebeeck at the Cape in 1652. As a final act<br />
<strong>of</strong> defiance by the Apartheid Government, Solomon Mahlangu was buried under a veil <strong>of</strong> secrecy in Atteridgeville.<br />
Four years earlier in 1975, the Tanzanian Government had donated land to the ANC at Mazimbu, near Morogoro where a school was then erected for the many<br />
young school-going pupils who had fled from South Africa since the Soweto Uprising in 1976. As the first buildings were being completed at Mazimbu, Solomon<br />
Mahlangu was executed. The school was subsequently named the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom College (SOMAFCO) as a fitting tribute to the late Solomon<br />
Mahlangu.<br />
In 1992, the institution was handed over to the Tanzanian Government at a ceremony <strong>of</strong>ficiated over by the late Oliver Tambo and then President Hassan Mwinyi <strong>of</strong><br />
Tanzania. 30<br />
In 1993, the portion <strong>of</strong> land in Mamelodi known as “Freedom Square” was dedicated to the memory <strong>of</strong> Solomon Kalushi Mashlangu, and would subsequently be<br />
called the “Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square”. 31<br />
28<br />
29<br />
30<br />
31<br />
ANC statement on the execution <strong>of</strong> Solomon Mahlangu, 6 April 1979 (www.anc.org.za).<br />
Ibid.<br />
Solomon Mahlangu Freedom College - SOMAFCO (http://www.sahistory.org.za/topic/solomon-mahlangu-freedom-college-somafco); Solomon Mahlangu Freedom College<br />
(SOMAFCO) - http://www.somafcotrust.org.za/solomon-mahlangu-freedom-college-somafco/); Address by Oliver Tambo at Solomon Mahlangu Freedom College, 2 May 1984,<br />
Mazimbu, Tanzania (http://www.anc.org.za/show.php?id=4442).<br />
Solomon Mahlangu (http://www.somafcotrust.org.za/about/solomon-mahlangu/); Seán Morrow et al: Education in Exile, SOMAFCO, the African National Congress school in<br />
Tanzania, 1978 to 1992.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 62
Above: The remains <strong>of</strong> the late Solomon Mahlangu were exhumed from the Pelindaba Cemetery in Atteridgeville and reinterred at the Mamelodi Cemetery on 6 April<br />
1993 (http://www.sahistory.org.za/content/mk-soldier-be-reburied-sunday-times-article-1993). Six years later in 1999, twenty years after the execution, the pain<br />
that Mama Martha Mahlangu continued to experience for having lost her son the way she did, remained unbearable: ”My son had aspirations <strong>of</strong> becoming a school<br />
teacher...he was very conscientious and humble. He stood firm and unshaken in his beliefs. Now, in my old age, I miss him even more.” 32<br />
32<br />
Mail & Guardian, 1999 (SA History Online – towards a people’s history (www.sahistory.org.za).<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 63
According to the sculptor Angus Taylor, the “Solomon Mahlangu sculpture was commissioned by the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> Pretoria, although the community had asked me a few<br />
years before to make the sculpture, but it would have been too costly to make it on my own without any financial support. The site was chosen by the city council.<br />
I met with a couple <strong>of</strong> people including Solomon’s mother to gather information and reference. The boots were non-specific and the camo-pattern was achieved by<br />
studying the uMkhonto we Sizwe camo-clothing. The only reference for the portrait was one photo and an extremely poor video <strong>of</strong> Solomon leaving the court house<br />
during his trial. While modelling the figure in clay I asked a few <strong>of</strong> (the) family and others that knew him to come to my studio to assist me in trying to achieve<br />
likeness.<br />
Solomon’s famous last words 'My blood will nourish the tree that will bear the fruits <strong>of</strong> freedom' were used as point <strong>of</strong> departure and I tried to visualise what the<br />
'fruits <strong>of</strong> Freedom' were at the time. I decided not to be the sole artist on the project but to work with two local primary schools that I had personal contact with. At<br />
these two schools the project started <strong>of</strong>f by asking the children to make drawings <strong>of</strong> what they considered to be the 'fruits <strong>of</strong> freedom'. The best drawings were<br />
chosen and over a few weeks the children or 'artists' were taught how to model these drawings in relief onto clay that my studio provided. Thabo Mokebe from the<br />
<strong>City</strong> Council was the contact person who ran the project, Ms Elizabeth Mahlangu who worked for the <strong>City</strong> Council was asked to choose which clay reliefs would be<br />
cast in bronze and attached to the base. With this new found freedom <strong>of</strong> democracy, the wall was made available to the children creating a sphere or 'world <strong>of</strong><br />
opportunity' that was welded together by the plaques made by the children. Unfortunately due to poor lighting and security many <strong>of</strong> these relief plaques have<br />
subsequently been removed with immense violence and have not been found again. The sculpture was cleaned and polished a few years ago, some <strong>of</strong> the childrens’<br />
plaques were recast and re-attached on this occasion.<br />
With the base I tried to work as true to the material as possible and tried to avoid using polished granite as it would refer to a grave stone. The landscaper wanted<br />
to work with the concept <strong>of</strong> the tree that the base was designed upon, although I did not agree with the design nor the materiality <strong>of</strong> the designed tree roots.” 33<br />
Left: Removal <strong>of</strong> outer fire pro<strong>of</strong> mould from the left<br />
foot <strong>of</strong> the statue. (Photo: courtesy <strong>of</strong> Angus<br />
Taylor).<br />
Right: Pouring <strong>of</strong> molten bronze into prepared<br />
mould. (Photo: courtesy <strong>of</strong> Angus Taylor).<br />
33<br />
A. Taylor – W. A. Martinson, 14 August 2012.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 64
Above left: Final finishing <strong>of</strong> wax model. (Photo: courtesy <strong>of</strong> Angus Taylor).<br />
Above centre: Application <strong>of</strong> plaster mould over the wax model. (Photo: courtesy <strong>of</strong> Angus Taylor).<br />
Above right: Welding <strong>of</strong> the component bronze castings to form single statue. (Photo: courtesy <strong>of</strong> Angus Taylor).<br />
Officiating at the unveiling <strong>of</strong> the Statue on Saturday, 17 September 2005, were the then Minister <strong>of</strong> Defence Mosiuoa Lekota, and then Executive Mayor <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong>Tshwane</strong> <strong>Metropolitan</strong> Council Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa.<br />
Lekota in his address, paid tribute to the late Solomon Mahlangu and challenged the country’s youth to participate in the development <strong>of</strong> their communities. “Stay<br />
away from alcohol and concentrate on your country that Mahlangu died for”, he said. 34<br />
34<br />
Solomon Mahlangu ‘was no murderer’, Mail & Guardian, 18 September 2005 (http://www.mg.co.za/article/2005-09-18-solomon-mahlangu-was-no-murderer).<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 65
Speaking on behalf <strong>of</strong> the ANC Youth League, Zizi Kodwa similarly called upon the youth to recognise the fundamental sacrifices made by Solomon Mahlangu and<br />
many others. He continued by stating that Solomon Mahlangu “was a true hero <strong>of</strong> the struggle. The youth took it upon themselves to rise up and say no.” 35 It was<br />
time for the youth to again stand up and do things for themselves.<br />
On 27 September 2005, the Order <strong>of</strong> Mendi for Bravery in Gold was posthumously awarded to the late Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu for sacrificing his life for freedom<br />
and democracy in South Africa. 36<br />
On the occasion <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu inaugural lecture at the Apartheid Museum on 27 June 2006, the then Deputy-President Ms Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka<br />
stated as follows: “The name <strong>of</strong> Solomon Mahlangu has become synonymous with the youth struggles and courage. His life was closely connected and intertwined<br />
with the struggles <strong>of</strong> the youth and students fighting for a better education and a free South Africa and it is significant therefore that when we remember him we<br />
recall that 16 June the day that propelled youth like Solomon Mahlangu to the forefront <strong>of</strong> our struggle, as he joined the struggle soon after the Soweto Uprisings <strong>of</strong><br />
16 June 1976. Solomon “Kalushi” Mahlangu, is perhaps the best embodiment <strong>of</strong> that courage and heroism, youth vitality and commitment which was so dramatically<br />
portrayed by the Soweto youth generation. Solomon “Kalushi” Mahlangu holds a special place in the minds and hearts <strong>of</strong> many people, especially amongst the old<br />
and young... activists <strong>of</strong> our country and in the liberation movement as a whole...To Mum Martha Mahlangu and the Solomon Mahlangu family, thank you for giving<br />
birth to this noble son and patriot, thank you for giving us this hero this martyr, this gallant fighter for freedom, this revolutionary freedom fighter. Let us do<br />
something about our veteran’s families <strong>of</strong> fallen heroes who are destitute. Mama Mahlangu may you find strength in the knowledge that he will always be<br />
remembered for the role he played and sacrifices he made, to free his country and his people. Thank you for allowing him to be part <strong>of</strong> the ANC family. May you<br />
find comfort in the knowledge that his name is recorded in the annals <strong>of</strong> history for the outstanding contribution he made to the liberation struggle <strong>of</strong> our country.<br />
His name shall forever be held in great awe among the heroes and heroines <strong>of</strong> our struggle. He is the beloved son <strong>of</strong> our revolution.” 37<br />
While addressing an ANC Youth League Congress in 2008 in his capacity as ANC Deputy-President, Mr Kgalema Motlanthe stated as follows: “Mahlangu's execution<br />
reminds us <strong>of</strong> the legalised brutality <strong>of</strong> the apartheid regime, and should reinforce our commitment to a culture <strong>of</strong> human rights and respect for the dignity <strong>of</strong> all.<br />
Never again can we accept a state that rides roughshod over the basic rights <strong>of</strong> its people, violating the most basic right <strong>of</strong> all people to life.” 38<br />
Although thirty-three years have passed since the execution <strong>of</strong> Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu, his legacy as a hero <strong>of</strong> the armed struggle against apartheid remains<br />
intact.<br />
Schools have been named after him, e.g. the Solomon Mahlangu High School in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape. There is also the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium in Kwa-<br />
Mhlanga, Mpumalanga. 39<br />
35<br />
36<br />
37<br />
38<br />
39<br />
Solomon Mahlangu ‘was no murderer’, Mail & Guardian, 18 September 2005 (http://www.mg.co.za/article/2005-09-18-solomon-mahlangu-was-no-murderer).<br />
National orders awards 27 September 2005, (www.info.gov.za).<br />
Address delivered by the Deputy President, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka on the occasion <strong>of</strong> the Inaugural Lecture <strong>of</strong> Solomon Mahlangu<br />
(http://www.polity.org.za/article/mlambongcuka-inaugural-lecture-<strong>of</strong>-solomon-mahlangu-27062006-2006-06-27).<br />
Extract from address delivered by Kgalema Motlanthe, Deputy President <strong>of</strong> the ANC at ANC Youth League Congress, 6 April 2008 (Remember Solomon Mahlangu and Chris Hani:<br />
Build a Society Worthy <strong>of</strong> Their Sacrifice, 11 April 11 2008 - http://panafricannews.blogspot.com/2008/04/remember-solomon-mahlangu-and-chris.html).<br />
New house for Solomon Mahlangu's mother, 17 June 2010 (http://www.sowetanlive.co.za/sowetan/archive/2010/06/17/new-house-for-solomon-mahlangu_s-mother).<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 66
On 6 April 2009, a stamp bearing an image <strong>of</strong> Solomon Mahlangu was issued by the SA Post <strong>of</strong>fice to mark the 30 th commemoration <strong>of</strong> his execution. 40 On this day,<br />
as part <strong>of</strong> the activities associated with the commemoration, a wreath laying ceremony was held at the cemetery in Mamelodi. In attendance was the family <strong>of</strong> the<br />
late Solomon Mahlangu, i.e. Mama Martha Mahlangu, brother Chief Lucas Mahlangu, Jaby Mahlangu, and Solomon Mahlangu, Jr. 41<br />
A new house was subsequently constructed in Mamelodi by the Government next to the house in which Solomon Mahlangu had been raised together with his siblings<br />
and had spent the early years <strong>of</strong> his short life. On the occasion <strong>of</strong> her 86 th birthday on 17 June 2010, the keys to the new house were handed to Mama Martha<br />
Mahlangu by Ms Lulu Xingwana, then Minister <strong>of</strong> Arts and Culture, and Councillor Gwen Ramokgopa, then Executive Mayor <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Tshwane</strong> <strong>Metropolitan</strong> Council. It<br />
was stated on this occasion by Ms Xingwana that the original house would be converted to a museum to commemorate the memory <strong>of</strong> the late Solomon Mahlangu. 42<br />
Statement <strong>of</strong> heritage significance<br />
The Solomon Mahlangu Statue is the fifth integral layer <strong>of</strong> the historic development <strong>of</strong> the site <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square. It dates from September<br />
2005 when it was unveiled in its current position at the westernmost end <strong>of</strong> the paved pedestrian promenade.<br />
The aesthetic value <strong>of</strong> the Statue stems primarily from its landmark qualities. The presence <strong>of</strong> the Statue impacts on important vistas, such as the existing paved<br />
pedestrian promenade extending toward the east from the paved circular area at the Statue, and on general views, particularly from the intersection <strong>of</strong> Maphalla<br />
Drive with Tsamaya Avenue and Stormvoël Road.<br />
The Statue commemorates a true hero <strong>of</strong> the armed struggle against apartheid. The execution <strong>of</strong> Solomon Kalushi Mashangu on 6 April 1979 resulted in an<br />
unprecedented international condemnation <strong>of</strong> the then South African Government. Solomon Mahlangu paid for his beliefs with his life. The Statue contributes to an<br />
understanding <strong>of</strong> this. At the same time the Statue is a tangible reminder <strong>of</strong> one <strong>of</strong> the darkest chapters in the history <strong>of</strong> South Africa, i.e. the struggle against racial<br />
oppression and the fight for a free and democratic South Africa. The Statue is consequently <strong>of</strong> notable historic and symbolic importance as it celebrates both an icon<br />
and an iconic struggle.<br />
Statement <strong>of</strong> heritage impact<br />
The proposed upgrade <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square will have a positive heritage impact on the conservation and future retention <strong>of</strong> the Statue <strong>of</strong><br />
Solomon Mahlangu and will in turn, enhance its heritage significance. The upgrade proposal envisages strengthening the Statue’s landmark qualities. The Statue<br />
will become an anchor point for reflection on the proposed meandering ribbon pathway and the new Liberation Spine, with the latter further enhancing the aesthetic<br />
value <strong>of</strong> the Statue.<br />
It is planned to change the existing status quo by rotating the Statue to face down the proposed new Liberation Spine across the park. A new sloping plinth will be<br />
constructed behind the Statue in order to accentuate its importance and for a gateway artworks intervention fronting onto the adjacent intersection <strong>of</strong> Maphalla Drive<br />
with Tsamaya Avenue and Stormvoël Road. This would constitute a positive impact as it will strengthen the landmark qualities <strong>of</strong> the Statue as the central focus<br />
element <strong>of</strong> the proposed new Liberation Spine while at the same time, augmenting the symbolic meaning <strong>of</strong> the proposed new Liberation Spine.<br />
40<br />
41<br />
42<br />
6th April 2009 - 20 th (sic.) Anniversary <strong>of</strong> the execution <strong>of</strong> Solomon Mahlangu (1979-2009) – ( http://groups.google.com/group/yclsa-eomforum/browse_thread/thread/af60df2eff7f9e2d).<br />
Ibid.<br />
New house for Solomon Mahlangu's mother, 17 June 2010 (http://www.sowetanlive.co.za/sowetan/archive/2010/06/17/new-house-for-solomon-mahlangu_s-mother).<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 67
7.1.6 The site <strong>of</strong> the Mamelodi Massacre in 1985<br />
In 21 July 1985, a State <strong>of</strong> Emergency was announced in 36 magisterial districts in South Africa by the Government <strong>of</strong> the day under the leadership <strong>of</strong> State<br />
President P.W. Botha. In the black townships, protest actions had become a daily occurrence with the Government’s attempts to control the townships through black<br />
local authorities in tatters. These authorities had been expected to fund the ‘administration’ <strong>of</strong> the townships and associated services through raising money from<br />
the inhabitants <strong>of</strong> the townships, which proved a recipe for disaster, as the black authorities did this simply by making people pay higher rents. An additional source<br />
<strong>of</strong> income was the money obtained through the selling <strong>of</strong> beer at beer halls, originally created by the former Bantu Administration Board.<br />
Prior to the declaration <strong>of</strong> the State <strong>of</strong> Emergency, the Government had already started deploying additional police and the military to ‘trouble spots’ within the<br />
townships throughout the country. Under the State <strong>of</strong> Emergency, police and other <strong>of</strong>ficials were afforded powers to detain people, without revealing their names; it<br />
allowed for the banning <strong>of</strong> meetings and organisations and made it possible to prevent the media from reporting on unrest and protests.<br />
Four months earlier on 21 March 1985 – the anniversary <strong>of</strong> the Sharpeville Massacre in 1960, police had opened fire on a demonstration in Uitenhage, resulting in<br />
the death <strong>of</strong> 20 protesters. This unfortunate incident were to be repeated eight months later to the day, ending in what will sadly be remembered as one <strong>of</strong> the<br />
darkest events, if not the darkest in the history <strong>of</strong> Mamelodi, the Massacre on 21 November 1985. The killing <strong>of</strong> peaceful protesters on this occasion occurred during<br />
a period <strong>of</strong> great turmoil in South Africa, subsequently described in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report presented to former President Nelson Mandela in<br />
October 1998 as being “notable for the highest levels <strong>of</strong> gross human violations experienced in the former Transvaal.” 43 -<br />
On Tuesday, 19 November 1985, more than 4 000 residents <strong>of</strong> Mamelodi, the majority <strong>of</strong> who were women, attended a meeting at which numerous grievances were<br />
discussed, one <strong>of</strong> which was house rentals and the confusion over amounts to be paid, particularly in regard to the leasing <strong>of</strong> houses under the 99-year leasehold<br />
system. Another grievance resulted from unhappiness with the presence <strong>of</strong> white members <strong>of</strong> the police, and the SA Defence Force in Mamelodi. The third<br />
grievance resulted from the ban placed on funerals during weekends and the restriction <strong>of</strong> 50 mourners per funeral.<br />
The decision taken at the meeting was to declare Thursday, 21 November 1985 as the day <strong>of</strong> a proposed protest march to the Mamelodi Town Council <strong>of</strong>fices with<br />
the object <strong>of</strong> presenting the then mayor, Councillor Bennet Ndlazi with the grievances in writing. A delegation comprising 10 residents led by Mr Louis Khumalo,<br />
president <strong>of</strong> the Mamelodi Parents Association, were elected to speak and present the written grievances to Ndlazi, which grievances now included a call for the<br />
resignation <strong>of</strong> the councillors.<br />
Early on 21 November 1985, thousands <strong>of</strong> residents had started to gather at the YMCA, the designated point <strong>of</strong> departure <strong>of</strong> the protest march.<br />
From a later affidavit by a male resident who participated in the march, everything appeared normal and orderly. There were no incidents to report and there was a<br />
workable understanding between the police and the protesters. “I went to the meeting point at 7 am at the YMCA. Already there were 5 000 to 8 000 people<br />
gathered there. I looked for Mr Khumalo, who was nowhere around, and then went to his home. I was told he’d gone to his work at the pharmacy. It was closed.<br />
I drove around looking for him for 15 minutes. The situation was calm but tense, with no incidents. I drove back to Mamelodi East. It was near 8 am. At the<br />
bridge (called Kalambazo Bridge) crossing the Apies River (should read Pienaars River, now more commonly called the Moretele River), about eight to 10 Casspirs<br />
and a number <strong>of</strong> light police vehicles had blocked the marchers from crossing the bridge into Mamelodi West. I parked my car in a yard and joined the marchers.<br />
The people were sitting, being addressed by a police <strong>of</strong>ficer. The crowd was I estimate 40 000 to 50 000, since they covered the area from the bridge to the YMCA.<br />
I went next to the <strong>of</strong>ficer and what he said was: that the marchers could march because he recognised their legitimate grievances, but on his conditions, namely –<br />
there should be no banners or placards; the marchers would be led by the Casspir; and no overrunning the Casspir would be allowed; and any violence would result<br />
43<br />
Truth and Reconciliation Commission <strong>of</strong> South Africa Report, Vol 3, 1998 (www.justice.gov.za).<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 68
in shooting; and the people could sing as they marched. Then the march started. At one stage the crowd was stopped in order to confiscate banners. One banner<br />
said ‘Let us speak without shooting’, and another ‘Respect our elders – they are not fighting.’” 44<br />
Women coming from Mamelodi East to join the march were stopped by the police next to Tsako Thabo Secondary School and were told to hand over the placards<br />
they were carrying before being allowed to cross the bridge and join the march. The confiscated placards with slogans such as “Do Not Shoot”, “We are for Peace”,<br />
and “This is a Peaceful March” were loaded onto a police vehicle.<br />
The police originally demanded that the marchers should move to the Pitje Stadium, where they would be addressed by Ndlazi. However, given the police’s bad<br />
reputation in Mamelodi and fearing that they would be tear-gassed and fired upon in the Stadium, the marchers refused, with the police subsequently agreeing to<br />
allow them to march to the municipal <strong>of</strong>fices instead. Throughout the march, a helicopter carrying General Bert Wandrag monitored the situation.<br />
A participant in the protest march later recalled that “The move by the police to allow the march and to lead the residents was positively received by the residents.<br />
The latter tried by all means to ensure that children did not join the march as the matter was now in the hands <strong>of</strong> their parents...Residents from all sections <strong>of</strong><br />
Mamelodi joined the march: mothers, fathers, young adults and the elderly. It ceased to be a march by women when everyone joined. The marchers repeatedly<br />
sent children away.” 45<br />
When reaching the area <strong>of</strong> the H.M. Pitje Stadium, the march was halted, and the idea <strong>of</strong> utilising the Stadium instead <strong>of</strong> continuing the march to the municipal<br />
<strong>of</strong>fices was entertained due to the turnout which appears to have been far larger than anyone could have anticipated. It was decided nonetheless to continue to<br />
march to the municipal <strong>of</strong>fices.<br />
The march continued without any incident down Maphalla Drive with thousands <strong>of</strong> Mamelodi residents converging upon the large vacant portion <strong>of</strong> land to the west<br />
<strong>of</strong> the municipal <strong>of</strong>fices, the present-day Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square. Here they waited to witness the presentation <strong>of</strong> their grievances to Mr Ndlazi with<br />
most <strong>of</strong> them sitting facing the municipal <strong>of</strong>fices.<br />
According to Rendani Ralinala, the protesting residents were at this juncture “again told to go to (the) Pitje Stadium to be addressed by Ndlazi. This was an<br />
inappropriate order given the fact that the march was about the rent increase and the memorandum should have been submitted to the place where the residents<br />
paid their rents. The initial plan was that after the marchers had presented Ndlazi with the memorandum, they would request him to join the march to the local<br />
police station to present another memorandum against the presence <strong>of</strong> the police in the township.” 46<br />
As more and more residents continued to arrive and with the large number <strong>of</strong> residents already gathered in the proximity <strong>of</strong> the municipal <strong>of</strong>fices, the gathering by<br />
now extended onto the vacant plot to the north, bounded by Maphalla Drive to the west and the hostel site to the east. A resident who was eye-witness to the<br />
event, later recalled that police in Casspirs had by now positioned themselves peripherally to the gathering. “There was a man in a red shirt standing on...(a) Casspir<br />
(at the main entrance to the municipal <strong>of</strong>fices in Makhubela Street) addressing the people - he was apparently an interpreter, previously used by the police at the<br />
bridge.” 47 Mr Alpheus Sealetsa, Member <strong>of</strong> the 1985 November 21 Mamelodi Massacre Committee, would later recall that the protest march and gathering up to this<br />
point, had been very orderly and peaceful. He was standing near to where the police Casspir was parked at the main entrance to the municipal <strong>of</strong>fices. 48<br />
44<br />
45<br />
46<br />
47<br />
48<br />
G. Webster: Mamelodi Massacre – The Black Sash News, Vol 28, No 4, February 1986 (www.ukzn.ac.za); Louis Khumalo was a member <strong>of</strong> the ANC, the owner <strong>of</strong> a pharmacy in<br />
Mamelodi, Director <strong>of</strong> the Mamelodi YMCA and Youth Choir, and President <strong>of</strong> the Mamelodi Parents Association (MPA) at the time <strong>of</strong> the Mamelodi Massacre in 1985. J. Walker et<br />
al: A Working History <strong>of</strong> Mamelodi.<br />
G. Webster: Mamelodi Massacre – The Black Sash News, Vol 28, No 4, February 1986 (www.ukzn.ac.za).<br />
R. M. Ralinala: Urban Apartheid And African Responses: Aspects Of Life In Mamelodi Township, 1953-1990, unpublished doctoral thesis, University <strong>of</strong> Cape Town, February 2002.<br />
Ibid.: The mine-protected riot-control vehicles widely used by the police and the army at the time were called Casspirs (H-R. Heitman: South African Arms & Armour).<br />
Interview, Mr A. Sealetsa, Member <strong>of</strong> 1985 November 21 Mamelodi Massacre Committee, 28 June 2012 and 22 August 2012.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 69
At this juncture Bennet Ndlazi appeared, and tried to address the crowd using a police megaphone from where he was standing on the Casspir but the megaphone<br />
seemed to malfunction, at which point a police helicopter was circling the gathering with the residents shouting for Ndlazi to speak up as they could not hear him.<br />
Instead <strong>of</strong> trying to continue addressing the gathering, Ndlazi lowered himself back into the Casspir.<br />
The residents started singing but were soon ordered by the police not to so. “The people in front stopped (singing), but those far away couldn’t hear....Then<br />
through a black interpreter, using a loudhailer, we were ordered ‘If you don’t keep quiet in three seconds, we are going to start shooting’. At this stage most <strong>of</strong> the<br />
crowd in front were women and there was no stone throwing or violence from the crowd.” 49<br />
In a later affidavit by another resident, it was stated that at “that point a yellow Sierra came from the entrance road and made a U-turn in front <strong>of</strong> the Casspir. A<br />
high-ranking <strong>of</strong>ficer got out and spoke to the <strong>of</strong>ficer on the Casspir for a minute or two. Then he went back into the car. At that point a police helicopter was<br />
hovering above the crowd. No-one else tried to address the crowd and they were still just sitting expecting to be addressed. About a minute or two after the car<br />
had left, without any warning – and I could have heard one, as I was sitting about six metres from the Casspir – the shooting suddenly started. I ran away around<br />
the south <strong>of</strong> the admin block, and saw the interpreter with the loudhailer also running. I ran towards Denneboom station.” 50<br />
This drastic turn <strong>of</strong> events signalled the beginning <strong>of</strong> a great tragedy. To the north near the traffic circle marking the intersection <strong>of</strong> Maphalla Drive with Shabangu<br />
Avenue, a teargas canister had been dropped from the police helicopter at the back <strong>of</strong> the crowd; this was followed by the protesters being teargassed and fired<br />
upon indiscriminately with live ammunition by the police. “...people choked, fell to the ground. Tramping on each other as police repeatedly fired at residents who<br />
ran in all directions for cover. Elderly people choked and fell and the able bodied tried to assist, but police teargassed us as we were trying to assist. At this point<br />
the residents were uncontrollable, the situation was chaotic and the people ran in all directions. Teargas and gunshots were being fired by the police.” 51<br />
A peaceful protest action had suddenly turned into a nightmare. According to Lucky Moraba who was then 16 years old, he ran as fast as he could up toward and<br />
past the HM Pitje Statium, to escape what had become a totally uncontrollable event, begging description. 52<br />
A resident who participated in the march would later recount being “trampled by the crowd and knocked unconscious. When I came round there was a dead woman<br />
lying next to me, bleeding from the nose. I could still hear shooting in the distance. When I left I saw another body <strong>of</strong> a young boy, a teenager, lying in the street<br />
between Denneboom Station and the <strong>of</strong>fices. He had blood on the back <strong>of</strong> his neck and lower back. I saw the police collect the boy’s body.” 53<br />
A 46-year old woman later stated as having seen “a black policeman shooting down a boy. I took the arm <strong>of</strong> an old man to help him. A Casspir passed us. The<br />
police inside shouted to me: ‘Vandag gaan ons die k....(sic.) doodskiet. Julle sal vandag kak!’ I just ran <strong>of</strong>f to my home.” 54<br />
Mr Simon Boyizeli Msiza later recalled how his wife Elizabeth Baphelile Msiza “was shot in the back three times as they were fleeing, even though they were already<br />
more than a kilometre from the scene.“ 55<br />
Ms Tiny Mokwena, Member <strong>of</strong> the 1985 November 21 Mamelodi Massacre Committee, would later describe how she ran to the surgery <strong>of</strong> Dr Ribiero with three year<br />
old Trocia Ndlovu, but that this was all in vain as Trocia had passed away in Tiny’s arms on the way to the surgery. 56<br />
49<br />
50<br />
51<br />
52<br />
53<br />
54<br />
55<br />
56<br />
G. Webster: Mamelodi Massacre – The Black Sash News, Vol 28, No 4, February 1986 (www.ukzn.ac.za).<br />
Ibid.<br />
Ibid.<br />
Interview, Mr Lucky Moraba, 25 August 2012.<br />
G. Webster: Mamelodi Massacre – The Black Sash News, Vol 28, No 4, February 1986 (www.ukzn.ac.za).<br />
Ibid.<br />
Truth and Reconciliation Commission <strong>of</strong> South Africa Report, Vol 3, 1998 (www.justice.gov.za).<br />
Interview, Ms T. Mokwena, Member <strong>of</strong> 1985 November 21 Mamelodi Massacre Committee, 28 June 2012.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 70
As he was running away toward the east, another resident later recounted seeing people being chased everywhere by police in Casspirs, as far as seven kilometres<br />
away from the municipal <strong>of</strong>fices. “...they were still chasing people, now only apparently shooting teargas. Near my home, my wife and kids were standing inside a<br />
yard at a corner. A police car raced past and threw a teargas at them. I saw a car parked near the mortuary with two bullet holes through it, and I learned that it<br />
had happened that morning.” 57<br />
As Thursday, 21 November 1985 drew to a close, 13 Mamelodi residents had been killed, including baby Trocia Ndlovu, while 134 residents had been injured or<br />
wounded. 58<br />
Dr Fabian Ribiero later stated that he treated more than 50 injured residents. According to him, “some people were trampled but alive, most suffered loss <strong>of</strong> blood<br />
and were treated for bullet, birdshot and buckshot wounds. I spent the day stitching and taking out bullets...” 59<br />
The findings <strong>of</strong> the Truth and Reconciliation Commission thirteen years later in 1998, were sufficiently telling <strong>of</strong> a Massacre which could have been prevented had the<br />
human rights <strong>of</strong> the residents <strong>of</strong> Mamelodi been respected by the former Apartheid Government:<br />
“THE COMMISSION FINDS THAT THE IMPOSITION OF RENT INCREASES BY THE MAMELODI BLACK AUTHORITIES LED TO INTENSE<br />
ANGER IN THE TOWNSHIP AND CONTRIBUTED TO THE VIOLENCE WHICH SUBSEQUENTLY TOOK PLACE. THE COMMISSION FINDS<br />
FURTHER THAT THE MANNER IN WHICH THE CONFLICT WAS MANAGED, BOTH BY THE LOCAL AUTHORITIES AND THE POLICE,<br />
CONTRIBUTED TO AN ESCALATION OF VIOLENCE. THE COMMISSION FINDS THAT THE USE OF EXCESSIVE FORCE AND IMPROPER<br />
CROWD CONTROL METHODS BY THE SAP LED TO THE MASSACRE ON 21 NOVEMBER 1985 IN WHICH THIRTEEN PEOPLE DIED AND<br />
MANY OTHERS WERE INJURED. THE COMMISSION FINDS THAT THE POLICE ADOPTED A SHOOT-TO-KILL POLICY AND FIRED ON<br />
PEOPLE REPEATEDLY AS THEY FLED. THE COMMISSION FINDS THAT NO ATTEMPT WAS MADE TO USE MINIMUM FORCE;<br />
INSTEAD, THE POLICE FIRED ROUND UPON ROUND OF LIVE AMMUNITION. THE COMMISSION FINDS CAPTAIN LE ROUX, THE<br />
COMMANDER IN CHARGE OF THE POLICE ON THAT DAY, AND MAYOR NDLAZI RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEATHS AND INJURIES<br />
DURING THE MASSACRE ON 21 NOVEMBER 1985. THE COMMISSION FINDS THAT THE MASSACRE CONSTITUTES A GROSS HUMAN<br />
RIGHTS VIOLATION AND HOLDS THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, THE MINISTER OF LAW AND ORDER, THE MINISTER<br />
RESPONSIBLE FOR BLACK LOCAL AUTHORITIES AND THE FORMER STATE RESPONSIBLE FOR GROSS VIOLATIONS OF HUMAN<br />
RIGHTS.” 60<br />
On 3 December 1985, a mass funeral service was held at the H.M. Pitje Stadium, followed by the burial <strong>of</strong> those killed in the Massacre at the Mamelodi Cemetery.<br />
This was reported on as follows in a media release later that day:<br />
“As tens <strong>of</strong> thousands mourned the deaths <strong>of</strong> 12 blacks at a mass funeral today, President Pieter W. Botha lifted the 19-week-old<br />
state <strong>of</strong> emergency in eight <strong>of</strong> 38 cities and towns and said the revolutionary climate in black areas was ‘fast losing momentum.’<br />
Most <strong>of</strong> the eight districts are small, rural communities in Transvaal province and the eastern Cape province, where almost no unrest<br />
has been reported in recent months. Botha's action came as up to 50,000 mourners packed a soccer stadium for the funeral for the<br />
12 blacks, including a 2-month-old baby, killed in a day <strong>of</strong> fierce clashes between protesters and police in Mamelodi, a township<br />
north <strong>of</strong> Pretoria.<br />
57<br />
58<br />
59<br />
60<br />
G. Webster: Mamelodi Massacre – The Black Sash News, Vol 28, No 4, February 1986 (www.ukzn.ac.za).<br />
Truth and Reconciliation Commission <strong>of</strong> South Africa Report, Vol 3, 1998 (www.justice.gov.za), Interview, Mr A. Sealetsa, Member <strong>of</strong> 1985 November 21 Mamelodi Massacre<br />
Committee, 22 August 2012.<br />
R. M. Ralinala: Urban Apartheid And African Responses: Aspects Of Life In Mamelodi Township, 1953-1990.<br />
Truth and Reconciliation Commission <strong>of</strong> South Africa Report, Vol 3, 1998 (www.justice.gov.za).<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 71
...The funeral turned into a huge anti-apartheid demonstration and Winnie Mandela, wife <strong>of</strong> Nelson Mandela, jailed leader <strong>of</strong> the<br />
African National Congress, defied a banning order against her by addressing thousands <strong>of</strong> mourners. Eulogies became calls to end<br />
the state <strong>of</strong> emergency and free jailed black leaders. Botha imposed the emergency in 36 areas on July 21. In October, he lifted the<br />
decree in six small towns. A day later, he extended the emergency area to eight more districts covering the entire Cape Town area,<br />
putting just over 9 million people--nearly a third <strong>of</strong> the population--under emergency rule. Rioting appears to have declined in most<br />
emergency zones, but violence has flared elsewhere, particularly in Mamelodi and in Queenstown in Cape province.<br />
...Reporters at Mamelodi estimated that from 30,000 to 50,000 people attended the two-hour funeral and then joined a procession to<br />
the cemetery for the burial. Police and soldiers manned roadblocks at entrances to the township, but stayed away from today's<br />
proceedings. There were no reports <strong>of</strong> violence. Speaker after speaker described the police shootings <strong>of</strong> protesters outside Mamelodi<br />
town hall on Nov. 21 as an unprovoked massacre, rejecting a police statement that riot patrols had to battle ‘particularly violent<br />
mobs.’ A defiant Winnie Mandela, whose banning order prohibits her from attending gatherings, told thousands <strong>of</strong> mourners, ‘I've<br />
come here to weep with you. I've come to wipe up the blood <strong>of</strong> our children with you.’<br />
...’We are here today as testimony to the failure <strong>of</strong> the government to rule our country (and) to the fact that the solution to this<br />
country's problems lies in these black hands,’ she said, raising a clenched fist in a black power salute amid cries <strong>of</strong> ‘Amandla!’ --the<br />
Zulu word for power.<br />
...Diplomats from 11 countries and senior <strong>of</strong>ficials <strong>of</strong> the Anglican and Roman Catholic churches attended the service, as did local and<br />
foreign camera crews and journalists. U.S. Embassy political counselor Tim Carney told reporters at the scene that he came to show<br />
support for the right to protest peacefully and to express sympathy with the people <strong>of</strong> Mamelodi.<br />
The c<strong>of</strong>fins were draped in flags <strong>of</strong> the outlawed African National Congress guerrilla movement, which is fighting from exile for black<br />
majority rule in South Africa.” 61<br />
The Massacre on 21 November 1985 was a turning point, having left the inhabitants <strong>of</strong> Mamelodi feeling resentful <strong>of</strong> anything to do with the then Apartheid<br />
Government. The legitimacy <strong>of</strong> the Mamelodi Town Council was being progressively challenged, primarily by the Mamelodi Civic Association (MCA) launched in 1986.<br />
A member <strong>of</strong> the Mamelodi Youth Organisation (Mayo) stated that "November 21 proved to our parents that we were right about the police and the struggle - they<br />
are now participating with us." 62<br />
Mayo was formed in 1983 as a community-based movement whose ranks were swelled by mainly unemployed youth and it was the young activists who now began<br />
to take the campaign <strong>of</strong> popular resistance to a higher level. “They see themselves as political watch-dogs in the community. But they appear to be broadening<br />
their support base as older and more conservative members <strong>of</strong> the community become increasingly politicised by police violence. The sounds <strong>of</strong> South African<br />
Defence Force activity, gunshots, Casspirs and police vans are everyday background noises for Mayo members. They refer to themselves as ‘activists’, and call one<br />
another ‘comrade’ A comrade is a person who does and feels the same as oneself, a person who can be trusted - a loyal friend." 63<br />
At a memorable ceremony at Freedom Park, situated at Salvokop south <strong>of</strong> the Pretoria city centre, 26 years after the Massacre, the names <strong>of</strong> those who had lost<br />
their lives at the hands <strong>of</strong> the security forces <strong>of</strong> the former Apartheid Government in Mamelodi on 21 November 1985, were unveiled. The names <strong>of</strong> the 13 victims<br />
61<br />
62<br />
63<br />
Botha Lifts Emergency in 8 <strong>of</strong> 38 Areas : Funeral for 12 Turns Into Anti-Apartheid Protest by Thousands, December 03, 1985, Associated Press (http://articles.latimes.com/1985-12-<br />
03/news/mn-12733_1_emergency-area).<br />
G. Jaffee: Beyond the Cannon <strong>of</strong> Mamelodi, Work in Progress, No. 41, April, 1986.<br />
Ibid.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 72
are inscribed on the Wall <strong>of</strong> Names which forms part <strong>of</strong> the Freedom Park memorial element called S’khumbuto. Attending the unveiling ceremony on 21 November<br />
2011 was Mr Paul Mashatile, then Minister <strong>of</strong> Arts and Culture, Councillor Kgosientso Ramokgopa, former Executive Mayor <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Tshwane</strong>, the families <strong>of</strong> the<br />
victims, and members <strong>of</strong> the 1985 November 21 Mamelodi Massacre Committee. 64<br />
Southwest corner <strong>of</strong><br />
Denneboom Hostel site<br />
Approximate position <strong>of</strong> entrance to<br />
Mini-Munitoria - the municipal <strong>of</strong>fices<br />
‘Remnants’ <strong>of</strong> windbreak <strong>of</strong><br />
pine trees<br />
Maphalla Drive (not extant at<br />
time <strong>of</strong> the Massacre)<br />
Municipal sub-station<br />
Amphitheatre<br />
Above: View <strong>of</strong> vacant land to the north <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square and Mini-Munitoria. Looking toward the south from a position near the traffic<br />
circle at the intersection <strong>of</strong> Maphalla Drive with Shabangu Avenue, this shows the general direction followed by the residents when marching from the H.M. Pitje<br />
Stadium to the municipal prior to the Massacre. Extant at the time was the municipal sub-station in facebrick with double pitched ro<strong>of</strong> discernible in this view. The<br />
concrete palisade fence on the perimeter <strong>of</strong> the site <strong>of</strong> the sub-station is a later addition. Extending from a point near the then premises <strong>of</strong> the Mamelodi Traffic<br />
Department (outside this view) on the left hand side past the sub-station toward J. Letwaba Street, opposite the northwest corner <strong>of</strong> the municipal <strong>of</strong>fices, was a wire<br />
fence. The Amphitheatre (not extant at the time <strong>of</strong> the Massacre) located on the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, is discernible in the background.<br />
64<br />
Mamelodi Massacre victims’ names unveiled on Wall <strong>of</strong> Names in Freedom Park, Freedom Park Media Release, 17 November 2011 (www.freedompark.co.za): Mamelodi Massacre<br />
heroes granted their place in history, The New Age, 21 November 2011 (www.thenewage.co.za).<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 73
Above left: Looking down the original alignment <strong>of</strong> Makhubela Street (now disused) toward the general area <strong>of</strong> the main entrance in Makhubela Street to the<br />
municipal <strong>of</strong>fices (not discernible in this view), now called Mini-Munitoria, and the site <strong>of</strong> the present-day Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square. The remnants <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Makhubela street sidewalk are clearly discernible. In some places, ‘memories’ <strong>of</strong> the original concrete street curbing remain.<br />
Above right: Looking north towards the traffic circle adjacent to the apex <strong>of</strong> the triangular portion <strong>of</strong> the site, this marks the approximate position where teargas<br />
canisters were first dropped from the police helicopter onto the residents congregated to the north <strong>of</strong> the main body <strong>of</strong> protesting residents on the day <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Massacre.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 74
Makhubela Street adjacent to Mini-<br />
Munitoria – the municipal <strong>of</strong>fices boundary<br />
fence<br />
Entrance to Mini-Munitoria -<br />
the municipal <strong>of</strong>fices<br />
Above: Looking across Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square toward the southeast, the main entrance to Mini-Munitoria - the municipal <strong>of</strong>fices in Makhubela Street is<br />
discernible in the background. This view shows the area within which the main body <strong>of</strong> protesting residents gathered on 21 November 1985 while waiting to present<br />
their grievances to Mayor Bennet Ndlazi. The concrete palisade fence at the perimeter <strong>of</strong> the premises <strong>of</strong> the municipal <strong>of</strong>fices is a later addition. The municipal<br />
<strong>of</strong>fices <strong>of</strong> the then Mamelodi Town Council were ‘secured’ with an ordinary wire fence at the time <strong>of</strong> the Massacre in 1985.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 75
Statement <strong>of</strong> heritage significance<br />
The site <strong>of</strong> the present-day Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square and the vacant tract <strong>of</strong> land to the north <strong>of</strong> J. Letwaba Street, currently bounded by Maphalla Drive to<br />
the west, and terminating to the north at Shabangu Avenue and the traffic circle at the intersection <strong>of</strong> Maphalla Drive with Shabangu Avenue, marks the place <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Massacre on 21 November 1985 during which 13 Mamelodi residents were killed and another 134 wounded or injured. Police opened fire on a peaceful gathering <strong>of</strong><br />
thousands <strong>of</strong> residents who had marched to the municipal <strong>of</strong>fices in order to present their grievances to councillor Bennet Ndlazi, then Mayor <strong>of</strong> the Mamelodi Town<br />
Council.<br />
The Massacre was a turning point in the history <strong>of</strong> resistance by the inhabitants <strong>of</strong> Mamelodi to the former Apartheid Government’s total negation <strong>of</strong> their basic human<br />
rights.<br />
The site <strong>of</strong> the present-day Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square and adjacent vacant site to the north are therefore considered <strong>of</strong> notable historic and symbolic<br />
associational importance. The two sites although divided by J. Letwaba Street, collectively facilitate an understanding <strong>of</strong> the Massacre as an historic event and jointly<br />
symbolise the tragic consequences <strong>of</strong> racial oppression. The sites are considered landmark sites in the history <strong>of</strong> the struggle for freedom and democracy in South<br />
Africa.<br />
Statement <strong>of</strong> heritage impact<br />
It is proposed that triangular portion <strong>of</strong> the vacant site to the north <strong>of</strong> J. Letwaba Street, bounded by Maphalla Drive to the west and the ‘memory’ <strong>of</strong> Makhubela<br />
Street to the east, its apex terminating at the traffic circle at the intersection <strong>of</strong> Maphalla Drive with Shabangu Avenue, becomes the site <strong>of</strong> a future museum and the<br />
site <strong>of</strong> the commemoration <strong>of</strong> the 1985 Massacre. This represents a positive heritage impact.<br />
Integral to the proposed upgrade <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square is the proposed creation <strong>of</strong> a new pedestrianised commemorative route, called the 21<br />
November Spine. The spine is based on the original alignment <strong>of</strong> Makhubela Street extending toward the south from the traffic circle at the intersection <strong>of</strong> Maphalla<br />
Drive with Shabangu Avenue, and linking with the extant section <strong>of</strong> Makbubela Street on the west side <strong>of</strong> Mini-Munitoria.<br />
As an appropriate commemoration <strong>of</strong> the 1985 Massacre is long overdue, this aspect <strong>of</strong> the proposed upgrade <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square therefore<br />
constitutes a positive heritage impact.<br />
The proposal to retain tangible ‘memories’ <strong>of</strong> Makhubela Street within a visual corridor and marking the significance <strong>of</strong> the site by means <strong>of</strong> artworks, plaques and<br />
interpretative information boards, will enhance the symbolic significance <strong>of</strong> the site and its historic associational importance with the Mamelodi Massacre on 21<br />
November 1985 from a heritage viewpoint.<br />
The proposed pedestrianisation <strong>of</strong> Makhubela Street, adjacent the east perimeter <strong>of</strong> the premises <strong>of</strong> Mini-Munitoria, is a positive heritage impact as it will afford the<br />
site <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square an aesthetically pleasing and people-friendly east face. At the same time it will allow measures to be instituted to<br />
meaningfully mark the importance <strong>of</strong> the historic relationship between the existing main entrance to Mini-Munitoria and the Massacre on 21 November 1985.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 76
7.2 Indirectly affected heritage resources<br />
There are no heritage resources that would be indirectly affected by the proposed upgrade <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square and commemoration <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Mamelodi Massacre on 21 November 1985.<br />
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8. FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS<br />
8.1 Findings<br />
The findings contained in this section <strong>of</strong> the report follow from the identification and the assessment <strong>of</strong> the significance <strong>of</strong> affected heritage resources and the<br />
potential or perceived heritage impact <strong>of</strong> the proposal to upgrade the Solomon Mahlangu Square and appropriately commemorate the Mamelodi Massacre on 21<br />
November 1985.<br />
It is shown in the report that the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square comprises <strong>of</strong> various elements which as layers <strong>of</strong> the historic development <strong>of</strong> the Square,<br />
collectively contribute to the heritage value <strong>of</strong> the Square. Dating from circa 1953, the first historic layer is the ‘pylons’ currently flanking the paved pedestrian<br />
promenade in the proximity <strong>of</strong> the MK memorial. These structures, together with the promenade and the palm trees flanking the latter, memorialise the original<br />
main vehicular access road into Mamelodi from the west.<br />
The MK Memorial dating from 1991, is the first commemorative element to have been introduced to the site, by then known as “Freedom Square”.<br />
In 1993, the Square was dedicated to the memory <strong>of</strong> the late Solomon Kalushi Mashangu, who was executed 14 years previously by the former Apartheid<br />
Government.<br />
At a colourful ceremony six years later in November 1999, the Open Air Theatre was <strong>of</strong>ficially opened, resulting in the “Solomon Mahlangu Square” becoming a<br />
popular venue for cultural and associated events and festivities and taking on an important role in the social life <strong>of</strong> the community <strong>of</strong> Mamelodi. Less than a year<br />
later, Chief Mahlangu’s house was constructed near the southeast corner <strong>of</strong> the Open Air Theatre.<br />
The Square became <strong>of</strong> national heritage importance with the unveiling <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Statue at the western end <strong>of</strong> the original main vehicular access road<br />
into Mamelodi from the west, i.e. at the most prominent and visible corner <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square. The existing Open Air Theatre had by then<br />
already been ro<strong>of</strong>ed.<br />
Having interrogated the layered historic development <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, it is the considered opinion <strong>of</strong> the authors that the cumulative<br />
effect <strong>of</strong> the proposed interventions contemplated in the current upgrade proposal would be to enhance the heritage significance <strong>of</strong> the Square as a historic<br />
memorial precinct.<br />
One <strong>of</strong> the proposed interventions is aimed at the creation <strong>of</strong> a commemorative interface, both tangibly and symbolically, between the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom<br />
Square and the Mamelodi Massacre on 21 November 1985 as an historic event, the commemoration <strong>of</strong> which has been long overdue.<br />
The proposal to develop a new narrative spine, called the 21 November Spine, coupled with the proposal that the triangular vacant tract <strong>of</strong> land, bounded by and<br />
inclusive <strong>of</strong> the 21 November Spine to the east, Maphalla Drive to the west, and J. Letwaba Street to the south be dedicated to the commemoration <strong>of</strong> the 1985<br />
Mamelodi Massacre, are <strong>of</strong> sufficient importance to warrant implementation.<br />
The cumulative effect furthermore <strong>of</strong> pedestrianising the portion <strong>of</strong> Makhubela Street, extending southwards from its junction with J. Letwaba Street, and <strong>of</strong> a new<br />
plaza at this junction to denote the place <strong>of</strong> meeting <strong>of</strong> the 21 November Spine and the uMkhonto we Sizwe Spine, will be to concretise a meaningful interface <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square with the site <strong>of</strong> the proposed commemoration <strong>of</strong> the 1985 Mamelodi Massacre.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 78
8.2 Recommendations<br />
The recommendations and suggested mitigation measures which follow are made consequent upon the findings reported on in 8.1 Findings.<br />
8.2.1 The Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square as a historic memorial precinct<br />
Considering the outstanding heritage significance <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square and the decision by SAHRA dating from 2006 to nominate this historic<br />
memorial space as a national heritage site, it would be imperative for any future development bordering or in the proximity <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom<br />
Square, to be subjected to a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) under the HIA provisions <strong>of</strong> the NHRA. This would be for the purpose <strong>of</strong> preventing any negative<br />
impact on the heritage significance <strong>of</strong> the Square.<br />
8.2.2 Axis <strong>of</strong> original entrance approach into Mamelodi<br />
Remedial maintenance must be carried out to the pair <strong>of</strong> ‘pylons’ flanking the existing paved promenade, including the four sets <strong>of</strong> mosaic panels which are an<br />
integral design element <strong>of</strong> the ‘pylons’.<br />
The wording <strong>of</strong> the Mamelodi Heritage Route plaque affixed to the northern ‘pylon’ is in the opinion <strong>of</strong> the authors, decidedly patronizing and should be re-assessed.<br />
As part <strong>of</strong> the upgrade <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, a suitable exhibition board should be installed to explain and confirm the heritage importance <strong>of</strong><br />
the ‘pylons’.<br />
8.2.3 uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) Memorial<br />
Measures should be instituted to effect repairs to the MK Memorial, including the damaged polished granite plaque.<br />
A suitable information board must be placed at the MK Memorial to explain and confirm its heritage value; having been unveiled in 1991 by the late Chris Hani<br />
affords the memorial special historic importance and this must be confirmed in any future presentation <strong>of</strong> the MK Memorial.<br />
8.2.4 Amphitheatre<br />
As the proposed demolition <strong>of</strong> the Amphitheatre would entail the loss <strong>of</strong> one <strong>of</strong> the layers <strong>of</strong> the historic development <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square,<br />
arrangements must be made for a meaningful commemoration <strong>of</strong> the structure. It might in this regard be sufficient to mark the site <strong>of</strong> the Amphitheatre by means<br />
<strong>of</strong> a suitable plaque or by the marking <strong>of</strong> the outline - or fragments <strong>of</strong> the geometric layout - in a suitable manner that integrates with the urban design proposal.<br />
8.2.5 Chief Mahlangu’s House<br />
The proposal to renovate the existing house must be implemented in accordance with 8.2.8 Conservation management principles, guidelines, and associated<br />
recommendations <strong>of</strong> general application.<br />
As part <strong>of</strong> the upgrade <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, a suitable exhibition board should be installed at the house to explain and confirm its heritage<br />
value.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 79
8.2.6 Solomon Mahlangu Statue<br />
The missing bronze plaques on the plinth <strong>of</strong> the Statue must be reinstated thereby restoring the original design intent.<br />
A suitable exhibition board must be installed at the Statue in order to explain and confirm its heritage value, thereby augmenting the commemoration <strong>of</strong> the late<br />
Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu as one <strong>of</strong> the greatest heroes <strong>of</strong> the struggle for a free and democratic South Africa.<br />
8.2.7 Site <strong>of</strong> the 1985 Mamelodi Massacre<br />
8.2.7.1 In the proposed development <strong>of</strong> the triangular tract <strong>of</strong> vacant land to the north <strong>of</strong> J. Letwaba Street as the site for the proposed commemoration <strong>of</strong> the Massacre<br />
on 21 November 1985, it would be important to acknowledge and where necessary, strengthen the physical attributes <strong>of</strong> the site, as follows:<br />
• The retention <strong>of</strong> the cluster <strong>of</strong> pine trees near the corner <strong>of</strong> Maphalla Drive and J. Letwaba Street; these trees remain as a tangible ‘memory’ <strong>of</strong> the<br />
easternmost side <strong>of</strong> the earlier precinct <strong>of</strong> soccer fields situated in the area to the west <strong>of</strong> Makhubela Street at the time <strong>of</strong> the Massacre, i.e. prior to the<br />
extension <strong>of</strong> Maphalla Drive in circa 1990; in November 1985, the trees extended to the north up to Shabangu Avenue, in the proximity <strong>of</strong> the traffic circle.<br />
• Although it is situated a short distance to the east <strong>of</strong> the proposed new 21 November Spine, the existing municipal sub-station must be retained in a future<br />
development <strong>of</strong> the tract <strong>of</strong> land to the east, adjacent the 21 November Spine; extant at the time <strong>of</strong> the Massacre, the municipal sub-station marks the<br />
position <strong>of</strong> the north-south fence (no longer extant) which acted as a physical barrier during the stampede and prevented the protesting residents from<br />
exiting the site <strong>of</strong> the Massacre.<br />
• The 21 November Spine to the north <strong>of</strong> J. Letwaba Street must be developed as a pedestrian promenade; by allowing for the Spine to become a vehicular<br />
traffic route would defeat the commemorative purpose and intended symbolic meaning <strong>of</strong> the 21 November Spine.<br />
• Integral to the proposed pedestrianisation <strong>of</strong> Makhubela Street, bordering the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square to the east, is the retention <strong>of</strong> the<br />
existing main entrance to Mini-Munitoria; this entrance must be considered an integral part <strong>of</strong> the 21 November Spine and arrangements must be made to<br />
place an exhibition board at the entrance to explain and confirm its historic association with the Massacre on 21 November 1985.<br />
8.2.7.2 The naming <strong>of</strong> the proposed site for the commemoration <strong>of</strong> the 1985 Massacre must be attended to with great circumspection, in consultation with all Interested<br />
and Affected Parties (I & AP’s).<br />
8.2.7.3 Notwithstanding that the names <strong>of</strong> the 13 residents killed in the Massacre have been recorded on the Wall <strong>of</strong> Names at Freedom Park in November 2011, the<br />
commemoration <strong>of</strong> the death <strong>of</strong> these 13 residents must receive priority attention in the proposed development <strong>of</strong> the 1985 Mamelodi Massacre site; the names<br />
<strong>of</strong> the residents who were wounded or injured during the Massacre, must similarly be recorded in the proposed future museum; as part <strong>of</strong> the development <strong>of</strong> the<br />
museum, provision must also be made for an interactive oral history project for the purpose <strong>of</strong> recording and meaningful site presentation <strong>of</strong> the memories <strong>of</strong><br />
those who were witness to the Massacre 27 years ago.<br />
8.2.7.4 Given the importance <strong>of</strong> the designated site for a meaningful commemoration <strong>of</strong> the 1985 Massacre and the recommendation that the site should be included in<br />
the proposed declaration <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square as a national heritage site, it is imperative that any future development bordering or in the<br />
proximity <strong>of</strong> the 1985 Mamelodi Massacre commemoration site, would require a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) under the HIA provisions <strong>of</strong> the NHRA.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 80
8.2.8 Conservation management principles, guidelines, and associated recommendations <strong>of</strong> general application<br />
The conservation management principles, guidelines, and associated recommendations <strong>of</strong> general application appearing in the table below, in no particular order<br />
<strong>of</strong> importance, are taken from the Burra Charter, and are, where appropriate, elucidated with relevant extracts from the NHRA.<br />
HIA<br />
reference<br />
Conservation principles and guidelines from the Burra Charter<br />
Recommendations / remarks<br />
8.2.8.1 Exercise caution<br />
“Heritage resources have lasting value in their own right and provide evidence <strong>of</strong> the<br />
origins <strong>of</strong> South African society and as they are valuable, finite, non-renewable and<br />
irreplaceable they must be carefully managed to ensure their survival.” 65<br />
Conservation <strong>of</strong> heritage resources is all about changing as much as necessary but as<br />
little as possible. This recommended minimalist approach is based on the need to<br />
respect the existing fabric, use, associations, and meanings <strong>of</strong> heritage resources, i.e.<br />
places <strong>of</strong> cultural significance. “Doing less to the fabric (<strong>of</strong> any heritage resource) is to<br />
be favoured, rather than more. The fabric <strong>of</strong> the place should be allowed to tell its own<br />
story, even if some <strong>of</strong> the physical evidence <strong>of</strong> that story has gone. Keeping change to<br />
a minimum protects the evidence <strong>of</strong> history…This…approach is different from the<br />
popular understanding <strong>of</strong> ‘restoration’ as an act <strong>of</strong> heroic change, intended to ‘return a<br />
place to its former glory’. Dramatic transformations, which shock and astonish<br />
with their revelations, are not precluded. But the value <strong>of</strong> the place as a complex and<br />
genuine entity should be upheld to encourage the retention <strong>of</strong> layers <strong>of</strong> complexity<br />
which are easily lost during radical change.” 66<br />
In the detailed planning and implementation <strong>of</strong><br />
any work to the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom<br />
Square and the site designated for the<br />
commemoration <strong>of</strong> the 1985 Massacre,<br />
hereafter the 1985 Massacre site - i.e. the<br />
adjacent designated triangular portion <strong>of</strong> vacant<br />
land to the north <strong>of</strong> J. Letwaba Street, and the<br />
portion <strong>of</strong> Makhubela Street between Mini-<br />
Munitoria and the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom<br />
Square, the need for caution and a minimalist<br />
approach is obvious.<br />
8.2.8.2 Repair rather than replace<br />
Heritage resources are by definition authentic examples <strong>of</strong> the architecture and lifestyle<br />
<strong>of</strong> previous generations and should be respected as sources <strong>of</strong> evidence.<br />
When change is being considered, a range <strong>of</strong> options should be explored to seek the<br />
option which would have the least detrimental impact on the significance <strong>of</strong> a heritage<br />
resource. The amount <strong>of</strong> any proposed change should be guided by the significance <strong>of</strong><br />
a heritage resource.<br />
This principle helps to explain the importance <strong>of</strong><br />
a Heritage Management Plan for the Solomon<br />
Mahlangu Freedom Square and the 1985<br />
Massacre site.<br />
65<br />
66<br />
Section 5(1)(a) <strong>of</strong> the NHRA, 1999.<br />
Marquis-Kyle, P. and Walker, M.: The Illustrated Burra Charter; Making good decisions about the care <strong>of</strong> important places, Australia ICOMOS, 1996.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 81
8.2.8.3 Make a visual distinction between old and new<br />
New work in relation to a heritage resource may be acceptable where this would not<br />
distort or obscure the significance <strong>of</strong> a heritage resource, or detract from its visual<br />
appreciation. Such work must, however, be readily distinguishable as such.<br />
As the upgrade proposal provides for such<br />
work, e.g. proposed new sloping plinth at the<br />
Solomon Mahlangu Statue, it is recommended<br />
that the principle <strong>of</strong> a visual distinction between<br />
old and new, be adhered to.<br />
8.2.8.4 Ensure changes are sympathetic<br />
Any proposed new work to a heritage resource must be “sympathetic”, i.e. compatible<br />
with its character and with its context. Additions must therefore be planned with<br />
careful consideration being given to aspects such as existing use <strong>of</strong> materials, bulk,<br />
height, set-back, plan configuration, surface patterns, texture and colours.<br />
It is generally accepted that a safe approach would be for new interventions to appear<br />
more neutral and to recede visually from the fabric <strong>of</strong> the heritage resource, both in<br />
details and massing. They might also be <strong>of</strong> a lower pr<strong>of</strong>ile and lighter construction.<br />
The principle <strong>of</strong> ensuring that the interventions<br />
envisaged in the current upgrade proposal<br />
would be sympathetic to the character and<br />
context <strong>of</strong> Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square<br />
and adjacent 1985 Massacre site, must likewise<br />
be adhered to in the detailed development<br />
planning which is to follow.<br />
8.2.8.5 Respect previous layers<br />
Many places <strong>of</strong> cultural significance comprise <strong>of</strong> valuable layers <strong>of</strong> historic development,<br />
which all contribute to the significance such places, and should therefore be respected.<br />
The emphasis should not be placed on one period <strong>of</strong> the development <strong>of</strong> places <strong>of</strong><br />
cultural significance, at the expense <strong>of</strong> others. Later additions may be removed if they<br />
could be shown to be <strong>of</strong> much lesser importance than the earlier fabric.<br />
The upgrade proposal provides for the retention<br />
<strong>of</strong> all the layers <strong>of</strong> the historic development <strong>of</strong><br />
the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square and the<br />
1985 Massacre site, except for the Amphitheatre,<br />
the loss <strong>of</strong> which as a heritage resource would be<br />
manageable. It is recommended that the<br />
existing footprint <strong>of</strong> the amphitheatre be<br />
recorded in a sensitive manner within the<br />
precinct as a permanent memory <strong>of</strong> this<br />
structure or that the position <strong>of</strong> the structure be<br />
marked by means <strong>of</strong> an appropriate plaque.<br />
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8.2.8.6 Respect the context and location <strong>of</strong> the heritage resources<br />
The context (setting) <strong>of</strong> a heritage resource is part <strong>of</strong> its significance. New intrusions<br />
into the setting <strong>of</strong> the heritage resource should therefore be attended to with great<br />
circumspection. “Conservation requires the maintenance <strong>of</strong> an appropriate visual<br />
setting: e.g., form, scale, colour, texture and materials. No new construction,<br />
demolition or modification which would adversely affect the setting should be allowed.<br />
Environmental intrusions which adversely affect appreciation or enjoyment <strong>of</strong> the place<br />
should be excluded.” 67<br />
This principle is one which is central to the<br />
authors’ assessment <strong>of</strong> the potential heritage<br />
impact <strong>of</strong> the current upgrade proposal. Any<br />
proposed future changes to the immediate<br />
context <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom<br />
Square and 1985 Massacre site would have to<br />
be carefully monitored.<br />
8.2.8.7 Respect the contribution <strong>of</strong> related places<br />
Recognise and retain the contribution which related places make to a place <strong>of</strong> cultural<br />
significance.<br />
An appreciation <strong>of</strong> the importance <strong>of</strong> this<br />
principle is cardinal to an understanding <strong>of</strong> some<br />
<strong>of</strong> the authors’ recommendations contained in<br />
the report. This principle relates to the<br />
contribution <strong>of</strong> the 1985 Massacre site to the<br />
heritage significance <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu<br />
Freedom Square and vice versa.<br />
8.2.8.8 Maintain important views<br />
Important views <strong>of</strong> a heritage resource must be maintained.<br />
The heritage value <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu<br />
Freedom Square in general, and the elements<br />
comprising this historic memorial precinct, as<br />
well as the 1985 Massacre site, have much to<br />
do with the quality <strong>of</strong> existing views or view<br />
lines. The principle <strong>of</strong> the importance <strong>of</strong> views<br />
is integral to many <strong>of</strong> the recommendations<br />
contained in the report.<br />
8.2.8.9 Retain associations and meanings<br />
Significant associations between people and a place <strong>of</strong> cultural significance should be<br />
respected and not obscured. Opportunities for the interpretation, commemoration and<br />
celebration <strong>of</strong> these associations should be investigated and implemented. Significant<br />
meanings <strong>of</strong> a place <strong>of</strong> cultural significance should be investigated and likewise<br />
respected and celebrated.<br />
Many <strong>of</strong> the recommendations contained in the<br />
report are based on this principle.<br />
67<br />
Marquis-Kyle, P. and Walker, M.: The Illustrated Burra Charter; Making good decisions about the care <strong>of</strong> important places, Australia ICOMOS, 1996.<br />
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8.2.8.10 Seek design excellence<br />
Seek design excellence by striving to produce inventive, interpretive, contemporary<br />
design solutions <strong>of</strong> high architectural quality. New work may be quite different in spirit<br />
and appearance from the existing fabric, but still sympathetic to its heritage values.<br />
The scale, grain and detail <strong>of</strong> the proposed<br />
interventions have - in the opinion <strong>of</strong> the authors<br />
- been attended to with due regard for design<br />
excellence and best practice. The addition in<br />
2004 <strong>of</strong> an over-scaled ro<strong>of</strong> to the Open Air<br />
Theatre is a prime example <strong>of</strong> an unacceptable<br />
intervention <strong>of</strong> little architectural quality.<br />
8.2.8.11 Institute measures <strong>of</strong> presentation and commemoration<br />
The significance <strong>of</strong> a heritage resource should be explained by presentation.<br />
Presentation would enhance an understanding and lead to an enjoyment <strong>of</strong> the value <strong>of</strong><br />
such a heritage resource.<br />
This principle must be fully addressed as part <strong>of</strong><br />
the implementation <strong>of</strong> the upgrade proposal.<br />
“Heritage resources contribute significantly to research, education and tourism and they<br />
must be…presented for these purposes in a way that ensures dignity and respect for<br />
cultural values.”. 68<br />
8.2.9 Heritage Management Plan<br />
Introduction<br />
In 2006, a decision was taken by the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) to nominate the site <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square as a<br />
national heritage site. The declaration <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square as a national heritage site was however made subject to the development <strong>of</strong> a<br />
Heritage Management Plan (HMP), also called a Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for the site. 69<br />
In striving to provide guidance for best practice in the conservation and management <strong>of</strong> places <strong>of</strong> cultural significance, i.e. heritage resources, the Burra Charter<br />
recommends a methodical procedure for the development <strong>of</strong> conservation policies for such places and for a strategy for the implementation <strong>of</strong> such policies 70 .<br />
What is referred to in The Burra Charter as a conservation policy, is the same as what is called a Conservation or Heritage Management Plan 71 , being an essential<br />
prerequisite to making informed decisions about any proposed work to a heritage resource. The Heritage Management Plan by implication also becomes an<br />
important tool in managing the long-term future <strong>of</strong> a heritage resource.<br />
68<br />
69<br />
70<br />
71<br />
Section 5(5) <strong>of</strong> the NHRA, 1999.<br />
SAHRA – Solomon Mahlangu Trust, 18 October 2006.<br />
The Burra Charter, The Australia ICOMOS Charter for Places <strong>of</strong> Cultural Significance (with associated Guidelines and Code on the Ethics <strong>of</strong> Co-existence), Australia ICOMOS, 2000.<br />
Section 47 <strong>of</strong> the NHRA, 1999.<br />
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Recommendations<br />
• The authors are <strong>of</strong> the considered opinion that the site designated for the commemoration <strong>of</strong> the 1985 Mamelodi Massacre must be included in a future<br />
declaration <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square as a national heritage site;<br />
• The proposed 1985 Massacre commemoration site for the purpose <strong>of</strong> inclusion in such a declaration, is considered to comprise the triangular tract <strong>of</strong><br />
vacant land to the north <strong>of</strong> J. Letwaba Street, to the west <strong>of</strong>, and inclusive <strong>of</strong> the proposed 21 November Spine; the portion <strong>of</strong> J. Letwaba Street<br />
between its junction with Maphalla Drive and the proposed commemorative plaza at the junction <strong>of</strong> Letwaba Street and Makhubela Street, i.e. the<br />
meeting point <strong>of</strong> the 21 November Spine and the Liberation Spine, and lastly, the portion <strong>of</strong> Makhubela Street to the south bordered by Mini-Munitoria to<br />
the east, and the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square to the west;<br />
• A draft HMP based on the proposed declaration <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom together with the 1985 Massacre commemoration site will be<br />
presented at a proposed focus group discussion with I & AP’s for consideration and comment, to be held during the 30-day comment period associated<br />
with the circulation <strong>of</strong> this report.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 85
9. CONCLUSION<br />
There is an undoubted need in Mamelodi for a world class commemorative heritage site related to the struggle against apartheid. The authors are <strong>of</strong> the considered<br />
opinion that the proposed upgrade <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, under review in this HIA document, will add immeasurably to the memorialising <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Freedom Struggle.<br />
It is hoped that the detailed research, commentary, documentation and assessment carried out during the HIA process and the careful recommendations flowing out<br />
<strong>of</strong> this, will be considered in detail and adopted in-toto by the responsible Heritage Authority.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 86
10. SOURCES<br />
Address by Deputy President, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka on the occasion <strong>of</strong> the Inaugural Lecture <strong>of</strong> Solomon Mahlangu, 27 June 2006<br />
(http://www.polity.org.za/article/mlambongcuka-inaugural-lecture-<strong>of</strong>-solomon-mahlangu-27062006-2006-06-27).<br />
Address by Oliver Tambo at Solomon Mahlangu Freedom College, 2 May 1984, Mazimbu, Tanzania (http://www.anc.org.za/show.php?id=4442).<br />
Aerial photographs <strong>of</strong> the site <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Square and surround, Mamelodi – 1948, 1958, 1964, 1968, 1976, 1985 and 1991, National Geo-spatial<br />
Information, Department <strong>of</strong> Rural Development and Land Reform.<br />
Aerial photographs <strong>of</strong> the site <strong>of</strong> the Solomon Mahlangu Square and surround, Mamelodi – 2001, 2004, 2005 and 2011 (Google Earth).<br />
Boraine, A.: Security Management in the Black Townships (Transformation 8, 1989).<br />
Botha Lifts Emergency in 8 <strong>of</strong> 38 Areas: Funeral for 12 Turns into Anti-Apartheid Protest by Thousands, December 03, 1985, Associated Press<br />
(http://articles.latimes.com/1985-12-03/news/mn-12733_1_emergency-area).<br />
Anniversary <strong>of</strong> the execution <strong>of</strong> Solomon Mahlangu (1979-2009), 6 April 2009 – ( http://groups.google.com/group/yclsa-eomforum/browse_thread/thread/af60df2eff7f9e2d).<br />
ANC statement on the execution <strong>of</strong> Solomon Mahlangu, 6 April 1979 (www.anc.org.za).<br />
Chiloane, T.J.: The Establishment <strong>of</strong> Black Settlement Areas in and around Pretoria with special reference to Mamelodi, 1900-1970, unpublished MA dissertation, Rand<br />
Afrikaans University, November 1990.<br />
Chris Hani – My Life, An Autobiography Written in 1991 (www.sacp.org.za).<br />
Commemorating 25 years since the founding <strong>of</strong> the United Democratic Front (http://www.saha.org.za/udf25/peoples_power.htm).<br />
Extract from address delivered by Kgalema Motlanthe, Deputy President <strong>of</strong> the ANC at ANC Youth League Congress, 6 April 2008<br />
(http://panafricannews.blogspot.com/2008/04/remember-solomon-mahlangu-and-chris.html).<br />
Guidelines to the Burra Charter: Conservation Policy (The Burra Charter, 1999).<br />
Heitman, H-R.: South African Arms & Armour, A concise guide to armaments <strong>of</strong> the South African Army, Navy and Air Force, Struik Publishers, Cape Town, 1989.<br />
http://africanlanguages.com/south_africa/place_names_sagns.html.<br />
http://www.writingtravellers.com<br />
Interview, Ms T. Mokwena, Member <strong>of</strong> 1985 November 21 Mamelodi Massacre Committee, 28 June 2012.<br />
Interview, Mr A. Sealetsa, Member <strong>of</strong> 1985 November 21 Mamelodi Massacre Committee, 28 June 2012 and 22 August 2012.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 87
Interview, Mr Lucky Moraba, 25 August 2012.<br />
Interview, Mamelodi Arts and Culture Forum (MACFO), 22 August 2012.<br />
Information furnished to authors by Mr Aubrey Motau, Chairman MACFO, 31 August 2012.<br />
Interview, Mr Aubrey Motau, MACFO Chairperson, 31 August 2012.<br />
Information furnished to authors by Mamelodi Arts and Culture Forum, August 2012.<br />
Jaffee, G.: Beyond the Cannon <strong>of</strong> Mamelodi, Work in Progress, No. 41, April, 1986.<br />
Mail & Guardian, 1999 (SA History Online – towards a people’s history (www.sahistory.org.za).<br />
Mamelodi comes alive for youth celebrations, June 2010 (http://www.bizcommunity.com/PressOffice/PressRelease.aspx?i=356&ai=49140), Executive Mayor <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Tshwane</strong> at Pre-COP (http://www.facebook.com/ExecutiveMayor/posts/229294823804320).<br />
Mamelodi heritage route launched, 22 September 2000 (www.info.gov.za).<br />
Mamelodi Hostel Redevelopment – Urban Design Framework, Final Draft Report, September 2010.<br />
Mamelodi Massacre heroes granted their place in history, The New Age, 21 November 2011 (www.thenewage.co.za).<br />
Mamelodi Massacre victims’ names unveiled on Wall <strong>of</strong> Names in Freedom Park, Freedom Park Media Release, 17 November 2011 (www.freedompark.co.za).<br />
Marquis-Kyle, P. and Walker, M.: The Illustrated Burra Charter; Making good decisions about the care <strong>of</strong> important places, Australia ICOMOS, 1996.<br />
MK soldier to be reburied, Sunday Times, 28 March 1993 (http://www.sahistory.org.za/content/mk-soldier-be-reburied-sunday-times-article-1993).<br />
Moosa to launch Mamelodi Heritage Route, 21 September 2000 (http://www.info.gov.za/speeches/2000/000922340p1006.htm).<br />
Morrow, S. et al: Education in Exile, SOMAFCO, the African National Congress school in Tanzania, 1978 to 1992, HSRC Press, Cape Town, 2004.<br />
National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act No. 25 <strong>of</strong> 1999) – Government Gazette No. 19974 dated 28 April 1999, and associated Proclamation Notice R.18, 2000 as<br />
published in Government Gazette No. 21051 <strong>of</strong> 31 March 2000.<br />
National orders awards 27 September 2005, Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu (1956 – 1979), The Order <strong>of</strong> Mendi for Bravery in Gold for bravery and sacrificing his life for<br />
freedom and democracy in South Africa (www.info.gov.za).<br />
New house for Solomon Mahlangu's mother, 17 June 2010 (http://www.sowetanlive.co.za/sowetan/archive/2010/06/17/new-house-for-solomon-mahlangu_s-mother).<br />
Ralinala, R.M.: Urban Apartheid And African Responses: Aspects Of Life In Mamelodi Township, 1953-1990, unpublished doctoral thesis, University <strong>of</strong> Cape Town,<br />
February 2002.<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 88
Raper, P.E.: New Dictionary <strong>of</strong> South African Place Names, 2004.<br />
Remember Solomon Mahlangu and Chris Hani: Build a Society Worthy <strong>of</strong> Their Sacrifice, 11 April 2008 (panafricannews.blogspot.com).<br />
Respect this site, respect our heritage, urge activists (<strong>Tshwane</strong> Sun Mamelodi, End July 2009).<br />
Rheeder, A.: Gol<strong>of</strong>elo “We are hoping” - Architectural Model for a Church and Community Facility in Mamelodi extension 22, University <strong>of</strong> Pretoria, 2004.<br />
“Solomon Mahlangu: Fighter Against Apartheid”: Speech by E.S. Reddy, Director <strong>of</strong> the UN Centre against Apartheid at a meeting <strong>of</strong> the Presidential Committee <strong>of</strong> the<br />
World Peace Council, Prague, 11 April 1970 (www.anc.org.za).<br />
Solomon Mahlangu Freedom College - SOMAFCO (http://www.sahistory.org.za/topic/solomon-mahlangu-freedom-college-somafco).<br />
Solomon Mahlangu Freedom College (SOMAFCO) - http://www.somafcotrust.org.za/solomon-mahlangu-freedom-college-somafco/).<br />
Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Arts and Culture Forum, list <strong>of</strong> events not dated.<br />
Solomon Mahlangu Precinct – Urban Design Framework, 2009.<br />
Solomon Mahlangu remembered, April 1 2009 (http://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/solomon-mahlangu-remembered-1.438843).<br />
Solomon Mahlangu ‘was no murderer’, Mail & Guardian, 18 September 2005 (http://www.mg.co.za/article/2005-09-18-solomon-mahlangu-was-no-murderer).<br />
A. Taylor – W. A. Martinson, email communication 14 August 2012.<br />
Tembisile ‘Chris’ Hani (www.sahistory.org.za); Chris Hani (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Hani).<br />
The Burra Charter, The Australia ICOMOS Charter for Places <strong>of</strong> Cultural Significance (with associated Guidelines and Code on the Ethics <strong>of</strong> Co-existence).<br />
The Trial 1977-1978 SA History Online – towards a people’s history (www.sahistory.org.za).<br />
“Time ticks away for Mahlangu”, Rand Daily Mail, 5 April 1979. Reproduced from http://www.sahistory.org.za/content/time-ticks-away-mahlangu-rand-daily-mail-article-april-1979.<br />
Truth and Reconciliation Commission <strong>of</strong> South Africa Report, Vol 3 1998 (www.justice.gov.za).<br />
Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Human Rights Violations, Submissions – Questions and Answers, Case GO\0182 – Johannesburg, Day 4, 3 May 1996<br />
(www.justice.gov.za).<br />
Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Amnesty Committee, AC/2001/242, Applicant - Andries Johannes Van Heerden (www.justice.gov.za).<br />
Walker, J., Van Der Waal, G-M., Chiloane, T.J., Wentzel, M., and Moraloki, I.: A Working History <strong>of</strong> Mamelodi (Draft copy – unpublished), Pretoria, HSRC, February<br />
1991.<br />
Webster, G.: Mamelodi Massacre – The Black Sash News, Vol 28, No 4, February 1986 (www.ukzn.ac.za).<br />
Heritage Impact Assessment – Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, Mamelodi Page 89