January 24, 2025 – In a significant legal move, twenty-five families of victims and survivors of political crimes from the apartheid era have filed a lawsuit against South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and his administration.
They allege a failure to adequately investigate these offenses and provide justice for the atrocities committed during this dark chapter in the nation’s history.
Seeking Accountability and Compensation
The families are pursuing approximately 167 million rand (around $9 million) in damages, as outlined in a case submitted to the High Court in Pretoria on Monday.
The lawsuit was made public by the Foundation for Human Rights, an NGO that supports the families in their quest for justice.
In addition to financial compensation, they are requesting a court order that would compel President Ramaphosa to establish a commission of inquiry into the “political interference that led to the suppression of numerous serious crimes stemming from South Africa’s history.”
A representative for Ramaphosa stated that his legal team would respond appropriately to the court documents, asserting that the president has never interfered with law enforcement operations or instructed them against prosecuting apartheid-era offenses.
A Legacy of Injustice
For decades, South Africa was ruled by a white minority regime that enforced systemic racial segregation, transitioning to a multi-racial democracy in 1994.
Despite this transition, many victims and their families feel that justice remains elusive. The lead applicant in this case is Lukhanyo Calata, whose father, Fort Calata, was one of the “Cradock Four,” a group of four anti-apartheid activists murdered in 1985.
Calata expressed frustration over the lack of accountability, stating, “The prolonged delay in achieving justice has effectively ensured that our families are denied justice forever.”
Despite ongoing inquiries into these historical crimes, no one has been held accountable, and a third inquest is set to begin this year, although many key individuals associated with the killings have since passed away.
Support from Political Allies
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), a prominent political party in South Africa, has publicly backed the families in their lawsuit against Ramaphosa.
The EFF’s support underscores the political implications of this legal action and highlights ongoing concerns about how apartheid-era injustices continue to affect South African society today.
A Call for Justice
As these families seek redress for past wrongs, their case serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of apartheid on South Africa’s socio-political landscape.
The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications not only for the families involved but also for how the nation confronts its troubled history.
With calls for accountability growing louder, President Ramaphosa’s administration faces increasing pressure to address these historical injustices.
As South Africa continues to grapple with its past, the pursuit of justice remains a vital aspect of healing and reconciliation for all its citizens.
