The Siege of Sinton: A Pivotal moment in South Africa's Anti-Apartheid movement
A police officer at the gates of Alexander Sinton High School where learners and teachers were arrested in 1985 .
Image: Facebook
This month marks the 40th anniversary of the Siege of Sinton where staff and learners were actively involved in anti-apartheid uprisings.
In 1985 learners boycotted classes after the June examinations and the Education department closed schools.
On September 17 1985, a country-wide campaign called for the re-opening of schools.
Staff and learners at Alexander Sinton High in Athlone tried to re-open the school.
The police arrived, locked the gates and arrested those on the premises which became known as “The Siege of Sinton.”
As violence and chaos erupted, it prevented learners from continuing their education.
Soldiers who assisted the police surrounded the school and prevented learners and staff from escaping and some were left assaulted and injured.
Many staff including a pregnant teacher and learners were arrested.
Deputy principal Nabil Basil Swart, was one of 173 parents, learners and educators arrested on the school’s premises that morning.
Many were released but Swart was separated from the others and was taken to Brackenfell Police station where he was emotionally and physically abused.
Nabil Basil Swart is arrested in 1985.
Image: Dehran Swart
Swart was honoured in 2021 when the school unveiled the Nabil Swart Foyer in his honour as a political activist.
Most were released afterwards, but Swart was separated from the others at Manenberg Police Station and then taken to Brackenfell Police Station, where he was physically and emotionally abused.
In 2021, the school unveiled the Nabil Basil Swart Foyer in honour of the anti-apartheid activist and former deputy principal.
In October 1985, three youths were killed near the school by police officers who opened fire on protestors which became known as the Trojan Horse Incident.
Michael Miranda, 11, Shaun Magmoed, 15, and Jonathan Claasen, 21 ,were killed by the police in Belgravia Road in Athlone and students and activists had gathered where they regularly had battles with the police and were stoning vehicles.
Alexander Sinton was also the first schools to be visited by former president, Nelson Mandela after his release from prison.
Former educator of the school, Fazilet Bell said: “Sinton, however, was targeted that day and most of the teachers, some parents and students were arrested. But not before the community blocked the cops from leaving the school.
Former deputy principal of Alexander Sinton High School, Nabil Basil Swart. In 2021, the school unveiled the Nabil Basil Swart Foyer in honour of the anti-apartheid activist.
Image: Ian Landsberg/Independent Newspapers
“A tremendous show of support outside. The cops had to literally cut the fence to get out.
"Some teachers were giving lessons in parents' garages but because schools were closed and there was not a lot of schooling, many schools decided that their learners would repeat the year in 1986.
“Sinton was like a breath of fresh air. Progressive staff which allowed us to carry the struggle forward.
“I remember after our school was raided by police and our children beaten up, that Bishop Desmond Tutu arrived in the afternoon in a chauffeur driven car to find out if we were ok. Mr. Nabil Swart appeared before the Truth Reconciliation Commission (TRC).
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