Skip to main content
Remember the Sharpeville Massacre by actually fighting racism
UN anti-racism day is not a date picked at random, but the anniversary of a turning point in the struggle against apartheid. Join us to discuss the national and international priorities for today’s black-led politics, writes MARC WADSWORTH
Painting of the Sharpeville massacre, which took place 21 March 1960, Sharpeville, Transvaal province, South Africa, currently located in the South African Consulate in London

NEW research has shown that at least 80 people — many of them youths — were murdered by South Africa’s racist apartheid police 63 years ago this month in what became known as the Sharpeville Massacre. Officials at the time lied that the figure was only 69 as part of a big state cover-up.

The damning findings by US scholars say that, in addition, 297 people were seriously injured at Sharpeville when officers with submachine guns opened fire on peaceful, unarmed protesters outside a police station. It was a demonstration called by the Pan-Africanist Congress of Azania against the hated “pass laws” that forced black people to either carry identity cards or be thrown in jail.

To commemorate the massacre, which shocked the world and helped to eventually crush apartheid and usher in black-majority rule, UN chiefs made March 21 its Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Liberation webinar, 30 November2024, 6pm (UK)
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
sharp
Features / 11 April 2025
11 April 2025
MARC WADSWORTH reports from the meeting to commemorate the Sharpeville Massacre 65 years ago
Windrush
Features / 22 June 2023
22 June 2023
Don’t be nostalgic about the anniversary of the boat journey that brought my father to Britain — instead of statues and ceremonies, fight for migrant justice, writes MARC WADSWORTH
Police officers on the scene outside
Features / 17 February 2023
17 February 2023
The Tory government has deliberately whipped up anti-migrant feelings in a cynical attempt to draw attention away from the economic crisis it created, says MARC WADSWORTH
Shapurji Saklatvala, then an MP, addresses a rally against u
Features / 14 November 2022
14 November 2022
MARC WADSWORTH salutes the remarkable talents of Labour’s first Indian MP, a communist who rocked the Commons with savage takedowns of the empire and the monarchy