A FOURTH commemoration of the racial killing in which an Afrikaner teenager, Johan Nel, fired random shots at black people on January 14 2008 was held in Skierlik, an informal settlement near Swartruggens.
On Saturday the North West provincial government and Kgetleng Rivier local municipality held a prayer service for family members of the deceased and survivors at the Swartruggens cemetery to mark the day.
After the graveyard service a series of events, including sports, drama and music, was held at the Skierlik sports ground.
MEC for sports, arts and culture Hlomane Chauke said the event was a way to help the community come together following the tragic events of 2008.
Chauke said the commemoration aimed to set up a memorial in honour of those killed, maintain solidarity with the survivors of the fateful shooting, highlight the government's commitment to nation building, and to eradicate racism and other forms of intolerance.
He said the government wants to enhance the healing process within the community of Skierlik.
"We cannot shy away and pretend it did not happen. We are also in pain but we are gradually healing."
Chauke said he had a vision of a non-racist, non-sexist South Africa in which everyone could contribute to their fullest and develop their talents and where they would be free from fear and discrimination.
To improve their lives, the Skierlik residents have since been relocated to Mazista and provided with housing.
Chauke promised residents that the government would provide electricity, water and roads.
He also donated sports equipment to youths.
He said the department was encouraging sports as a means for children to get off the streets.
Nel killed 10-year-old Enoch Tshepo Motshelanoka, three-month-old Keditlhotse Elizabeth Moiphitlhi, her 31-year-old mother Anna, and 35-year-old Sivuyile Danani in the racially motivated shooting spree.
Another eight people were wounded in the attack and three others were shot at.
Nel was sentenced to four life sentences and received an additional 68 years for the attempted murders.
Hate crime remembered
A FOURTH commemoration of the racial killing in which an Afrikaner teenager, Johan Nel, fired random shots at black people on January 14 2008 was held in Skierlik, an informal settlement near Swartruggens.
On Saturday the North West provincial government and Kgetleng Rivier local municipality held a prayer service for family members of the deceased and survivors at the Swartruggens cemetery to mark the day.
After the graveyard service a series of events, including sports, drama and music, was held at the Skierlik sports ground.
MEC for sports, arts and culture Hlomane Chauke said the event was a way to help the community come together following the tragic events of 2008.
Chauke said the commemoration aimed to set up a memorial in honour of those killed, maintain solidarity with the survivors of the fateful shooting, highlight the government's commitment to nation building, and to eradicate racism and other forms of intolerance.
He said the government wants to enhance the healing process within the community of Skierlik.
"We cannot shy away and pretend it did not happen. We are also in pain but we are gradually healing."
Chauke said he had a vision of a non-racist, non-sexist South Africa in which everyone could contribute to their fullest and develop their talents and where they would be free from fear and discrimination.
To improve their lives, the Skierlik residents have since been relocated to Mazista and provided with housing.
Chauke promised residents that the government would provide electricity, water and roads.
He also donated sports equipment to youths.
He said the department was encouraging sports as a means for children to get off the streets.
Nel killed 10-year-old Enoch Tshepo Motshelanoka, three-month-old Keditlhotse Elizabeth Moiphitlhi, her 31-year-old mother Anna, and 35-year-old Sivuyile Danani in the racially motivated shooting spree.
Another eight people were wounded in the attack and three others were shot at.
Nel was sentenced to four life sentences and received an additional 68 years for the attempted murders.
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