More controversy over Plaatje’s grave

CONTROVERSY around the expected wreath-laying ceremony, to be led by ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday morning, at the grave of Sol T Plaatje in Kimberley continued yesterday.

The ANC announced yesterday that Ramaphosa would lay wreaths at the grave of Plaatje, who was the first secretary-general of the ANC, and at the grave of late struggle veteran Mittah Seperepere on Wednesday morning.

The tension follows the removal of a fence around Plaatje’s grave at the West End Cemetery by family members this past Saturday.

The fence was apparently erected by the provincial government to protect the legacy of Sol Plaatje and curb vandalism.

Family members, however, complained of improper consultation before the erection of the fence, and therefore took it down.

According to the ANC, the family was consulted and had agreed to the erection of the fence.

Family members yesterday continued to accuse the provincial government of creating tension and division in the family by consulting “extended relatives” instead of communicating with the “relevant descendants”.

Gopolang Spencer Plaatje, who regards himself as the family spokesperson and trustee, has threatened to take legal action against those who have brought the dignity of the trust into disrepute.

“If they decide to go and lay wreaths at the graveside, let them do it. But they should not say that they are going there in the capacity of representing the legacy of Sol Plaatje at that ceremony,” Goplolang said yesterday.

“We are not running a tuck shop here and we are not out to achieve political mileage. We will continue to take legal action.”

According to Gopolang, the grave has been in existence for 80 years and is protected by the National Heritage Resources Act.

“You can’t just start digging holes around someone’s grave,” he said.