WATCH: ‘My hubby died a sad man!’

IT'S been more than 34 years since members of the Self Defence Units were killed during political violence in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni.

On Monday, 24 March, the Daveyton massacre commemoration was held at Nomathamsanqa Park, formerly Marivate Park, to honour those who died 34 years ago.

A total of 13 people were shot and killed on 24 March 1991, during the fight against unjust apartheid laws.

The widows and survivors, now based in the Eastern Cape, shared their pain and how the massacre has affected them.

Nokhaya Tyawana (63), a widow who lived in Daveyton in 1991, said she vividly remembered the fateful day.

"I received a call that people were shot at Marivate Park and when I arrived, I found out that my late husband, Thembisile Tyawana, was among those shot. On that day, my husband was taken to hospital, and after he was discharged, I cared for him, but he still succumbed to his injuries. That has left me traumatised," said Tyawana.

She said that her husband's death left them suffering as a family.

"My husband's death left us poverty-stricken, and we were never compensated as a family. He died unhappy, feeling that he fought for the country but wasn't compensated for it," said Nokhaya.

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Another widow, Nokwanda Tsumane, said her husband's death left them stranded as a family.

"My husband, Thozamile Stuurman, died in 1991, leaving me with five children. All my children completed matric, but they couldn't study further due to financial issues. One of my children even owes a college here in Gauteng, and I don't have money to settle the debt," said Tsumane.

She said that she travelled from the Eastern Cape, hoping the government would assist the bereaved family.

"Compensation from the government would help us greatly because we are struggling to survive. My husband will rest in eternal peace if we, as his family, are taken care of," she said.

A survivor of the massacre, Zakhuthini Zondani (62), said they were sitting at Marivate park when attacked.

"Cops travelling in a hippo unleashed random shots at us, and I was among those shot. I was hit on the shoulder and haven't worked since because of the injury. People were screaming, and others fell beside me. I won't forget that horrific day," said Zakhuthini.

Ekurhuleni Whip of Council, Pelisa Nkunjana, said they've proposed a motion to officially commemorate and recognise the Daveyton massacre.

"Innocent lives were lost when the apartheid government cops fired on ANC members gathered for a political rally. Among the innocent was Nomathamsanqa Matshole, a nine-year-old child killed by a stray bullet, illustrating the discriminatory nature of the apartheid government.

"The Truth and Reconciliation Commission found that apartheid police used excessive force to manage tension between the ANC and Inkatha Freedom Party. The Daveyton massacre remains a painful and gruesome incident but is less recognised," said Nkunjana.

She added that the incident warrants recognition by the City of Ekurhuleni because families lost their lives.