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The EFF marks the 15th Anniversary of the Ellis Park Stadium Disaster that claimed the lives of 43 fans who had gone to watch the Soweto Derby in 2001 on this day. This disaster is recorded as the worst sporting disaster in the history of South African sports. More than 80 000 people showed up to see the Kaizer Chiefs vs. Orlando Pirates match in a stadium with a capacity of only 60 000.

In the memory of those passed on, we call on both the Minister of Sports, Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and the PSL to honour these supporters by always organising a commemoration service at the time of the anniversary. This must be in honour of not only those who fell on that day, but also to celebrate all fans who make sports what it truly is. The families of the victims must know that the football family values them, their support of the sports which they paid with the lives of their loved ones on that day.

That the country, or at least the world of football does not halt on this day to observe those who fell on that day means we do not value the supporters. One only needs to imagine what it means when one of two players pass away to imagine what it means for 43 fans to pay with their lives in desperation to support football.

The EFF salutes all who died on that day, together with their families. In their name may the football sports grow even bigger, better and much entertaining for many more generations of supporters to come. We say long live to their memory and spirit long live.

Issued by EFF