khulumani: a support group. a social movement. a strong voice.

We don't want to forget those who died, those who were tortured or those who disappeared. The only way to truly respect our heroes, both the dead and the living, is by creating memorials.

We don't want to forget those who died, those who were tortured or those who disappeared. The only way to truly respect our heroes, both the dead and the living, is by creating memorials.

The final government individual reparations package became a monetary once-off payment of R30 000. Khulumani's research with the assistance of actuaries has shown that this amount is inadequate and is in fact simply the 'tip of the ice-berg' in the process of trying to restore people's dignity and physical capacities. R30 000 alone cannot bring back the dead or heal the wounds of the surviving victims.

Our members are beginning to document and professionally display their memorials at places like the Apartheid Museum (left). A priceless heritage is being created in this way to honour the contribution of so many unsung heroes and heroines of the struggle.

Khulumani Western Cape exhibited its very artistic and moving exhibition of the memory work of its members at the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg. It was called: Breaking the Silence, and ran from August - December 2004.

Such projects contribute to the healing of all those involved in both the production and the witnessing of such a powerful memorialisation of the atrocities they endured. They also make the past known to current generations and expand the awareness of those previously in power about a history which was for so long denied.

These kind of activities enable a country to develop a common and shared memory and history, as people learn about each other's stories, thereby creating a true sense of unity and reconciliation.