Echoes of the Cape

Our Story: Hosting President Nelson Mandela

In 1995, the second year of his presidency, Nelson Mandela visited our school in Mitchells Plain to make a historic announcement. I had the honour of being the host. All went well until he reprimanded me in front of thousands and the cameras of the world. Contact me if you would like to know more ....

My name is Eugene Daniels. I taught history once. Now I guide. I have spent my life trying to give young people a future unlike the one shaped by apartheid. I love this city. Not only the mountain, the island, the gardens, the cape, or the wine. I love its stories. Stories of courage and endurance. Of struggle and of victory.

I can offer you a tour of our city's iconic sites such as Table Mountain, Cape Point or a walk along the Liesbeeck River or an unforgettable tours of struggle sites where we fought for freedom against Apartheid. ​

I remain an active citizen involved the building of Hope of the Valley NPC in Ocean View her with being a trustee in the Mitchells Plain Bursary and Role Model Trust. 

Classic Cape Experience:

Fighting Against Apartheid Tour

Meet the Heroes - Experience their motivation, journey and impact on all of us

Ashley Kriel: The Voice of a Generation

Often referred to as the "Che Guevara of the Cape," Ashley Kriel was a charismatic youth leader from Bonteheuwel. Driven by a deep sense of justice, he joined the liberation movement at a young age, eventually going into exile to join Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK). He returned to the underground struggle in Cape Town, where he was tragically killed by apartheid police at the age of 20. Ashley remains a symbol of youthful defiance and the unwavering spirit of the Cape Flats.

Anton Fransch: The Lion of Athlone

Anton Fransch’s story is one of legendary tactical bravery. In 1989, he held off a massive force of apartheid police and military for over seven hours from a house in Athlone. Despite being heavily outnumbered and surrounded, his refusal to surrender became a masterclass in courage. He fought until the very end, embodying the spirit of a soldier who would rather die on his feet than live on his knees.

Colleen Williams & Robbie Waterwich: Partners in Conviction

Colleen and Robbie were activists whose lives were cut short in 1989 while on a mission for the liberation movement. Their deaths in a premature explosion in Crawford sent shockwaves through the community. They represent the countless activists who worked in the shadows, fueled by a shared vision of a non-racial, democratic South Africa. Their sacrifice reminds us of the immense risks taken by ordinary citizens for the extraordinary cause of freedom.

​

The victims of the Trojan Horse Massacre

On October 15, 1985, apartheid security forces used a "Trojan Horse" tactic—hiding inside crates on the back of a railway truck—to open fire on protesters in Athlone. Jonathan Claasen (21), Shaun Magmoed (16), Michael Miranda (11)

Their deaths, particularly those of the young children, exposed the brutal lengths the state would go to to suppress dissent. This site remains one of the most somber reminders of the vulnerability of our youth during the struggle.

A Note on the Journey

Each of these figures contributed a brick to the foundation of our current democracy. By visiting their memorials and hearing their stories, we ensure that their names are never forgotten and that the flame they carried continues to burn in our hearts and minds.