On the 14th of June in 1985 the South African Defence Force (SADF) launched a raid into Botswana, targeting the Medu Art Ensemble made up of collection South African artists of various disciplines who were based in the neighbouring country.
The raid was the fifth South African attack on a neighbouring country since 1981 and although artists and visionaries like Dr.
Mongane Wally Serote, Keorapetse Kgositsile, Jonas Gwangwa survived the raid, it still goes down as one of their most unforgettable days in exile.
Renowned poet, Serote, reflects back to the fateful day where 12 people lost their lives including women and children, only five of the victims were members of the African National Congress (ANC).
“We all had expected to sacrifice our lives but all we can do about that day is remember those who lost their lives so that spirit of no surrender still be with us.” Watch a full interview with Dr. Mongane Wally Serote below
To honour that day, musician and member of the ensemble Steve Dyer will host a jazz suite commemoration which he calls KU SALE IZIBONGO.
The performance will take place at The Orbit in Braamfontein on Saturday which marks exactly 30 years since that bleak day.
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