27 May 2001
Yesterday the SACP, Newcastle District of the South African Communist Party (SACP) acted against the racist and inhuman action by Manus Geldenhuys Attempting to block the Msimango family from burying the family's eldest son in his Doornpoort farm in Dannhauser in Northern KwaZulu Natal (next to Newcastle). The funeral took place yesterday, Saturday, 26 May 2001.
Geldenhuys allegedly obtained a court interdict. The Msimango family refused to accept the interdict delivered on Friday, 25 May 2001. Despite this refusal Geldenhuys called the South African Police Services (SAPS) who clashed with the mourners and arrested Charlie Maduna, the SACP Newcastle District Deputy- Secretary. Comrade Maduna will appear in the Newcastle Magistrate court tomorrow, Monday 28 May 2001. The SACP calls for all charges against comrade Maduna to be dropped and for his immediate release. The SACP condemns the insensitive behaviour of the SAPS at a time of great sorrow for the Msimango family and supporters.
In their 13 years of stay at the Doornpoort farm, the Msimango, like most other workers employed by Geldenhuys, has actually buried many relatives in the same farm. As recently as January this year, the Msimango family buried their daughter, Dumazile Msimango, at the Doornpoort farm. In this instance, going against the law, Geldenhuys attempted to stop the burial.
In terms of the law, the Msimang family has tenure security and burial rights.
Geldenhuys' actions are a demonstration of how racism manifests itself in many parts of our country and how racists continue to exploit and oppress many black workers.
It is for all the above reasons that the SACP District in Newcastle supports the Msimango family and has mobilised legal support and its membership to be part of the Msimango family+IBk-s defence.
CONTACT
Smiso Nkwanyana - SACP KwaZulu Natal Provincial Secretary at 082 468 7184
OR
Mazibuko K. Jara (surname Jara)
Department of Media, Information and Publicity
South African Communist Party
Tel - 011 339 3621/2
Fax - 011 339 4244
Cell - 082 922 5716
Email- sacp1@wn.apc.org