school boycotts

Explanation
School boycotts originated in the Western Cape in April 1980 and spread to several other regions in South Africa. Grievances initially concerned the standard and quality of education but these grew into wider political protest. Street protests and police actions resulted in widespread violence. In the Cape, police shootings led to over 40 deaths. In the Orange Free State, police made use of force and firepower to break up crowd demonstrations, often resulting in injury and, in some cases, death. In Natal, boycotting pupils in KwaMashu defied Chief Buthelezi's calls to return to school, resulting in clashes between pupils and Inkatha supporters. These boycotts allegedly led to an increased exodus of youth from the country to join the ANC. Towards the end of 1985 , the UDF adopted a campaign to make the townships ungovernable. Educational institutions and trade unions became key sites of revolutionary activity. School boycotts and strikes were transformed into scenes of violent conflict and bloodletting. A state of emergency was declared in July and extended in October. It continued until the first democratic election in 1994.

TV Series Hearing Transcripts TRC Final Report TRC Victims

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BAATJIES, Desmond

Was shot dead on 15 July 1985 by named members of the Security Branch and the SAP during the 1985 school boycotts in Masizakhe, Graaff-Reinet, Cape.

/victims/baatjies_desmond.htm

BOBE, Mandla Christopher

Was shot and injured by members of the CDF at a funeral in Zwelitsha, Ciskei, on 27 July 1985 during the 1985 school boycotts.

/victims/bobe_mandla_christopher.htm

BONGISILE, Honey Mzimkhulu

A UDF supporter who was beaten by members of the SAP in Grahamstown, Cape, on 1 August 1986, during the 1986 school boycotts. He was later charged and served a commuted sentence of two years and six months.

/victims/bongisile_honey_mzimkhulu.htm

BOTA, Mlandeli

Drowned in the Buffalo River on 23 July 1985 after being chased by members of the Ciskei Police during school boycotts in Zwelitsha, Ciskei.

/victims/bota_mlandeli.htm

DYASI, Xolani Patrick

Was paralysed after being shot in the head and neck by members of the Municipal Police in Port Elizabeth, on 17 July 1985. At the time he was shot, Xolani was assisting his cousin who had been shot by the police during the 1985 school boycotts.

/victims/dyasi_xolani_patrick.htm

HLABAKWE, Thabitha Dorcas

Was suffocated with a wet bag by members of the SAP in Alexandra, Johannesburg, in October 1988 during school boycotts in the area.

/victims/hlabakwe_thabitha_dorcas.htm

MAMANI, Lungisile Matthews

A COSAS member who was shot and injured by named members of the Municipal Police and SAP in Joza, Grahamstown, Cape, on 11 June 1986 during school boycotts and a protest against local councillors. Mr Mamani had attended a show at the Noluthando Hall and was on his way home when pellets were fired ...

/victims/mamani_lungisile_matthews.htm

MAHITI, Khayalethu

Was shot dead by members of the SAP during school boycotts in Cradock, Cape, on 19 March 1985.

/victims/mahiti_khayalethu.htm

MANCHESA, Tefo Timothy

Was shot dead by members of the SAP during school boycotts at Langa, Uitenhage, Cape, on 17 November 1980.

/victims/manchesa_tefo_timothy.htm

MANELI, Simphiwe Sidwell Mpaydo

was arrested on 13 May 1986 at his home in Port Alfred, Cape, for being involved in the stoning of a vehicle during school boycotts. He was convicted and sentenced to five years` imprisonment, half of which was suspended.

/victims/maneli_simphiwe_sidwell_mpaydo.htm

ADAMS, Noel

A UDF supporter who was subjected to psychological torture by members of the SAP while in police custody in Graaff-Reinet, Cape, during the 1985 school boycotts.

/victims/adams_noel.htm

MACATIES, Justice

A UDF supporter who was severely beaten by members of the SAP in Galeshewe, Kimberley, Cape, on 20 February 1985, during unrest triggered by school boycotts. His left eye was permanently damaged in the beating.

/victims/macaties_justice.htm

LUKWE, Simon

A Baptist minister who was detained and tortured by members of the SAP at Tarkastad police station, Cape, on 12 June 1986, allegedly because he assisted students during Queenstown school boycotts.

/victims/lukwe_simon.htm

HLONGWANE, Tryphina Thoko

Was shot and injured by Riot Unit members during school boycotts in Lamontville, Durban, on 10 March 1986. Ms Hlongwane was trying to help a youth who had been shot dead when she was shot.

/victims/hlongwane_tryphina_thoko.htm

HOPSHIRE, Roseline Nomhle

Was shot and severely injured by members of the SAP on 27 May 1985 while playing outside during school boycotts in Fingo Village, Grahamstown, Cape. She was hospitalised and suffered permanent disfigurement as a result of the shooting.

/victims/hopshire_roseline_nomhle.htm

JANUARY, Mongameli Theophilus

A member of a student committee who was beaten with a bar by members of the SAP at Kirkwood police station, Cape, in June 1980. This took place during the 1980 school boycotts.

/victims/january_mongameli_theophilus.htm

LAWANA, Mzuvukile Maxwell

Was severely beaten by members of the SAP during school boycotts in Alice, Ciskei, on 5 August 1985.

/victims/lawana_mzuvukile_maxwell.htm

MAQUBELA, Wonke Withiel

A SAYCO member who was detained and severely assaulted by members of the SAP in Stutterheim, Cape, during the 1985 school boycotts.

/victims/maqubela_wonke_withiel.htm

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