Rwandans in South Africa commemorate Genocide

Rwandans yesterday gathered at the Holocaust centre in Cape Town, South Africa to commemorate the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The ceremony was organised by the Rwandan community in Cape Town led by Ernest Kajabo with the support of the Rwandan High Commission and the Holocaust centre. The event was attended by 230 people, including Rwandans, members of the Jewish Community, East Africans and South Africans. Richard Freedman, the Director of the Holocaust centre, in his welcome remarks, encouraged Rwandans to remember but forgive and reunite. An elaborate key note speech was made by Dr Tim Murithi, the Head of Justice and Reconciliation programme in the Cape Town based Institute of Justice and reconciliation. He developed the concept of genocide in countries then elaborated on justice and reconciliation through different tools such as truth and reconciliation in post apartheid South Africa and Gacaca in post Genocide Rwanda. He regretted that ‘Never Again’ is not being taken seriously, citing the ongoing crises in Africa and the world. The Rwandan ambassador to South Africa, Vincent Karega, called upon Rwandans to understand their duty and responsibility in rebuilding the nation. He also urged Rwandans against genocide ideology, opportunistic politics and unnecessary dissident acts. Karega highlighted Rwanda’s progress at all levels in the last two decades and urged everyone to look beyond the past. Kwibuka poems and a short DVD were exhibited to raise more awareness on Rwanda’s past, present and its future perspectives.

National

Rwandans in South Africa commemorate Genocide