Sharpville

Today was my first full day in South Africa!

The morning was spent in Sharpville, South Africa. We visited the site of the Sharpville riots that took place in 1960. A group of people were peacefully protesting in front of the police station against the South African government’s requirement for people to use the passbooks declaring their race, as well as the newly implemented curfews in the townships. The police dramatically opened fire on the protesters, who scrambled for their lives. After between only 10 and 30 seconds of gunshot 69 people were found on the ground dead, many of which had been shot in the back (indicating they were trying to run away and not a threat to the police). There were also 180 people injured.

After this massacre the government blamed the ANC for organizing the protest and the ANC was banned in South Africa, forcing members to move away from non-violence to a more militant approach to fight against apartheid.

Going to the site of the massacre was moving, as well as the monument that has been established. It is

In addition, we were warmly welcomed into the Ebenhezer Christian Centre (located on the corner near the site of the massacre) for Sunday church services. When I say that we were warmly welcomed I truly mean it-with handshakes and hugs. We were individually invited to the front of the room to introduce ourselves and the Star Spangled Banner was sung (as well as the South African nationally anthem). Although, I will admit my embarrassment at the lack of musical ability when it came to our group singing the national anthem, to say the South Africans out sang us is an understatement. Our leader, Dick, who has visited the church many times was given a cushioned seat of honor at the side of the pulpit next to the pastor and was invited to speak at the beginning of the service, when he did he awed the people in the congregation with his use of Sesotho.

The most impressive part of the service was the music, which was incredible. There was a band and several young women singing, with voices capable of making people dance and shout.

I have never attended a church service quite like this. We were reminded not to forget Sharpville and I promise that I won’t.

Below I have some examples of the music that we heard at the church.