Trojan Horse massacre declared as a Provincial Heritage Site

The Trojan Horse Massacre site on Thornton Road in Athlone has been declared as a provincial heritage site.

The area bordered by Klipfontein Road, Belgravia Road, Thornton Road and Alexander Sinton High School became a gathering place for anti-apartheid protests, particularly by students. In October 1985, members of the security forces shot and killed three young people who were part of anti-government demonstrations. On the day of the incident, Security and Railway police worked together to crush a gathering of youth who were protesting against the apartheid government.

This incident became known as the Trojan Horse Massacre.

The Western Cape’s Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC, Anroux Marais yesterday unveiled the plaque to declare a portion of Thornton road in Athlone as a Provincial Heritage Site (PHS) Marais said this site will continue to be a source of learning and appreciation for the local communities.

“The declaration of this site as a Provincial Heritage Site demonstrates the understanding of the historical and heritage importance of this site and that it must be preserved and protected for many years to come. It is sites such as this one that preserve the narratives of the past and that will continue to be a source of learning and appreciation for the local communities. In preserving our heritage, we can also preserve the history and stories of the communities where they are situated.”

 ‘’The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, together with Heritage Western Cape, continues to preserve the histories of all our communities, so that they can be shared with future generations,’’ added Marais.

 

PICTURE - SA history -  Trojan Horse Massacre.

Done By: Mitchum George