Although the UDF played no direct role in these protests, the increased resistance and awareness brought about by them did affect the people. The demonstration on 3 September was not the first protest caused by local circumstances, bus fare increases and similar across the country. By the end of the year almost 150 people had been killed in political violence, which increased to 600 by September 1985 as the revolts spread across the country and the government declared a State of Emergency. The marchers also looted shops, set fire to houses and killed 4 councillors. The Vaal Civic Association organised the stayaway, school boycott and march for 3 September 1984, which led to clashes with both police and township councillors, and left thirty people dead. The Lekoa and Evaton Town Councils' idea to raise tariffs for municipal services caused the demonstrations and stayaways in the Vaal Triangle. On 3 September the Tricameral Parliament opened in Cape Town while protest demonstrations began in the Transvaal, marking the start of the longest and most widespread period of black resistance to white rule.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |