Human Rights Violation Hearings — Klerksdorp — 1996-09-25

THOMAS MANTHATA: Mr Dikoko, I just seek an explanation.  You mentioned students here and you said you were involved in the political activities.  Dr Randera asked you a question and you gave him an answer, you talked about the youth that were against the councillors.  Now I want to ask about the students.  What were the students' activities?

THABO JOSEPH DIKOKO: Briefly, Mr Manthata, you will remember that in
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1984 the youth spearheaded the fight against apartheid.  This was a broad matter.  I do not know how to explain this, but I must say we had games to play and in these games we were singing.  Sometimes we appear as a choir, but on the other side mobilising the youth.  We were actually killing two birds with one stone.

THOMAS MANTHATA: Now in schools around Bloemhof, would you say the procedure was just normal?  Were the students not in favour of class boycotts?

THABO JOSEPH DIKOKO: No.

THOMAS MANTHATA: You have already answered a question relating to the other office bearers, that they were not arrested.  But when you went to further your studies, what did they do?

THABO JOSEPH DIKOKO: Some of them also went out to further their education.  Maybe because of the assault, because of the torture, it was quiet in the township, but some of them decided to go outside to go and study.

THOMAS MANTHATA: In other words, they didn't have any activities to carry any more?

THABO JOSEPH DIKOKO: No, the activities went on, even though we dispersed.  In 1987 and 1988 we came together again, because the country was getting back to normal, but thereafter again, most of us went to different places.

THOMAS MANTHATA: Are you still in Bloemhof now?

THABO JOSEPH DIKOKO: Yes.

THOMAS MANTHATA: As the rehabilitation committee would like to know the situation within the community of Bloemhof, is there still separation between those who were fighting against apartheid and those who were for apartheid?

THABO JOSEPH DIKOKO: There is no confusion at all, at this stage. People have reconciled.  There is no conflict of any kind.
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THOMAS MANTHATA: I thank you.

PROF MEIRING: Mr Dikoko, just a few questions from my side, also in connection with what Mr Manthata said about reparation.  At the end of your written statement you say that you want two things from the Truth Commission.  Firstly is, you want information, you know, you want to know who were involved in doing this to you and why they did that to you.  Secondly, that you would like to find good medical treatment.  Are those the two things you want to say to us?

THABO JOSEPH DIKOKO: Even if they do not come before the Truth Commission, it would be better if they identify themselves with the changes that are taking place in this country.  I don't mind, even if they don't come, they should just identify themselves with the change.  They should help in the process of reconciliation.  The last request is the medical cost. I think I have spent over R3 000,00, because I have told you that I was just discharged from Sunpack Clinic. I would dearly request the rehabilitation and reparations committee to look into that matter.  Those are the only two requests I have.

PROF MEIRING: The request from my side;  you are a teacher and you are a leader of the Bophelong community in Bloemhof. Many people say that what we also need by way of reparation in this country, is symbolic things, like a peace park or a monument or a school.  Does that apply to Bophelong?  Do you think that there is a need or an urge for symbolic reparations of that sort?

THABO JOSEPH DIKOKO: I didn't quite understand your question, especially the last part.  Can you repeat your question?

PROF MEIRING: Thank you. I will gladly do that.  Many people say that what the different communities need for reparation,
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are many things.  Also maybe a monument or a peace park or something special that could remind people of the struggle and of the price the people had to pay for the struggle, that that will serve as a sign of hope, as a symbol of reconciliation.  Is that true also of Bloemhof?  Do you think a peace park or a monument would suit their purpose?

THABO JOSEPH DIKOKO: I think it would be a very good idea.  Most people would appreciate anything that will promote the mission of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The conflicts of the past, the conflicts between the AWB and the community, the consumer boycotts, I would really go along with the people who say there should be a monument of some kind.

PROF MEIRING: Thank you very much.  If there are no other questions, thank you for your testimony.  I think Dr Randera would like to say a few words to you and then you may stand down.

DR RANDERA: Mr Dikoko, thank you very much again for coming today.  As we travel through the country, what is becoming clear, is that the young people - you were 24 years at the time when this happened to you, but most of the incidences that are being reported, are from young people from the ages of 13 to 25.  That is the majority of people who were the casualties, if you like, of this historical period that we are looking at.  I think it is a heavy price.  The Chairperson always says that this democracy that we have now, has been attained through the struggles of young people like yourself. We have had to pay a very heavy price.  We need to always bear that in mind, even through the work of the Truth Commission as we go on. I would also like to say
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that you made the point that you suffer from depression and tension and you spoke very openly and eloquently today. I think you should be proud of yourself and your community should be proud of yourself, that, despite what happened to you, you went on to become a teacher and you are contributing towards the building of our new nation.  Thank you very much.
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