We continue to honour the memory of the youth of the 1980's on the Cape Flats who waged war against the brutal system of Apartheid. Today we thank them for their contribution - We salute Lee Mostert and Fagreyah Maseko who are two activist sharing their story in this BBC 4 - Short Cuts Radio Documentary

BBC Shortcuts - A Story Of Activism, Capture, Detention And Reconnection

The mid to late 80's into the 1990's in South Africa saw a massive groundswell of activism in our townships with young people putting their lives on the line to liberate South Africa from the tyranny of Apartheid. 

In townships like Khayelitsha, Langa, Elsies River, Bonteheuwel, ' Mitchells' Plain, Noordgesig, Eldorado Park, Newclare, Reiger Park, Gelvandale etc...young people stepped up and helped in the fight to free South Africa.  

Lee Mostert is one of thousands of young people who put her life on the on the line for the simple principle of freedom. Over the years she has reflected on her journey and shared her story. In her generosity she agreed to speak with me and in this first part of her conversation she reflects on her early and her journey to activism.

Lee Mostert Interview - Part 1 - Early Years & Coming To Activism

Lee Mostert Interview - Part 2 - The Last Supper - Capture & Incarceration

Many young activist had to go on the run from the brutal Apartheid Security Police, that were notorious for abducting and making activists disappear. Lee at the very young age of 16 had to go on the run and was later captured and imprisoned first in solitary confinement and later sent to a maximum security prison. 

We must keep in mind that these were just kids that through a set of circumstances and political conviction very often decided to make the ultimate sacrifice. Let us remember and honour their sacrifice.

Lee Mostert Interview - Part 2 - The Last Supper - Capture & Incarceration

Solitary confinement was used as a blunt instrument by the Security Police in the Apartheid era. This was however not their only tactic - the extremes of depravity they would subject detainees to had no end and they would use any method to extract information. It also did not matter how old their detainees were - In many instances they were only children forced to fight for a just and free world. Lee speaks about that time and what it does to the mind, she also speaks about the cruelty and tactics employed by the state...

Lee Mostert Interview - Part 3 - The games the Security Branch play & the road to Pollsmoor Prison

This is the first part of a series of conversations with my mother, Jacoba Hill (Sarah, born in 1944, in Potchefstroom. This is her telling her story of who she is and what shaped her over the years. This series is about giving the voiceless an opportunity to delve into their world and make sense of who they are. Through telling their stories they begin perhaps in some way understand the impact they have had on others. and embrace the legacy they leave behind. 

This is about restorative memory and reclaiming our space as humans.
------------
Ons Komvandaan help ons om ons stories te vertel, in ons stem. Dit is hier om ons nalatenskap te verseker en uiting te gee aan soveel wat oor dekades net moes stil bly en luister hoe ander hulle stories oorvertel. In hier eerste gesprek gee ek my ma Jacoba Hill die platform. Gebore op Potchefstroom in 1944, kom sy as jong meisie Kaap toe met haar ouers en broer en suster.

Ons Komvandaan | Van Potchefstroom tot Kaapstad | Deel 1

In December of 1961 Jacoba Laverlott and George Hill married after a very brief courtship. They were starting their lives and had to secure a safe living space for their young family in what was called Louw-se-Bos. They took a gamble and it paid off. This is Part 2 of their story against the backdrop of Apartheid displacement and a great believe in their faith. This is a story of family, struggle and victories.
____

George Hill and Jacoba Laverlott is in 1961 getroud. Hulle begin hulle lewens in Elsies Rivier, Louw-se-Bos. Hulle verhaal is een van geloof en sterk familie 
bande. Hierdie verhaal speel hom egter af teen die agtergrond van die Apartheid's beleid van ontworteling. Hulle sal hulle later in 14de Laan/Highway Straat (in die buurt wat vandag bekend staan as Leonsdale )vestig en klein en eenvoudig begin.

Ons Komvandaan | Elsiesrivier - Louw-se-Bos | Deel 2

The early years of their married life was filled with joy, struggle and establishing roots in Elsies River - Louw-se-Bos. Three children were born out of their union and their grandparents helped raise them. That house in 14th Lane/Highway Street was a safe haven and a monument to their determination and believe in God. Interwoven in their tale, is the trips to Namaqualand and the visits of family from there.
----------
George en Jacoba (Sarah) se vroee jare in Elsiesrivier het bestaan uit harde werk en hulself en hulle jong famile bou. Die huis in 14de Laan staan as 'n monument van hulle goddelike oortuiging en toegewydheid tot mekaar. Maar, hierdie tyd is ook 'n tyd vir familie, vakansie en vir kuier. Namakwaland le na aan hulle...

Ons Komvandaan | Van Elsies tot Namakwaland | Deel 3

Storyteller & keeper of history - Working through the burden and delight of knowing.

In conversation with George A. Hill