WHILE the world mourned the death of UK Queen Elizabeth II, the EFF reminded the global community how her passing was a reminder of how she led an institution that lived off a brutal legacy of dehumanisation of millions of people across the world.
The 96-year-old queen died on Thursday, 8 September, after 70 years reigning as head of the British royal family. And, the red berets pointed out that during that time, she never once acknowledged the atrocities committed by her family that colonised nations across the world.
“We do not mourn the death of Elizabeth because to us, her death is a reminder of a very tragic period in this country and Africa’s history,” said the party in a statement.
“Britain, under the leadership of the royal family, took over control of this territory that would become South Africa in 1795 from Batavian control, and took permanent
control of the territory in 1806.”
The party said from that moment onwards, native people of this land had never known peace or enjoyed the fruits of the riches of the land. And till today, those riches were still enriching the British royal family.
The EFF said the country’s experience of Britain, under the leadership of the royal family led by the queen, was one of pain and suffering, death and dispossession as well as dehumanisation of African people.
“We remember how Nxele (Xhosa warrior who led Battle of Grahamstown in 1819) died in the aftermath of the fifth frontier war; how King Hintsa was killed like a dog on 11 May 1835 during the sixth frontier war, had his body mutilated and his head taken to Britain as a trophy.”
The party said the departed queen, during her lifetime, never acknowledged these crimes and in fact, was a proud flag bearer of these atrocities.
“If there is really life and justice after death, may Elizabeth and her ancestors get what they deserve,” it concluded.
