The Eastern Cape Provincial Government led by Premier Oscar Lubabalo Mabuyane during Bulhoek Massacre commemoration at Ntabelanga, graced by presence of Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa and Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane both emphasised the need to accelerate the matter of land expropriation without compensation - especially to the descendents of the Bulhoek Massacre victims.

The program was underpinned by the theme; Celebrating the year of Charlotte Maxeke during the centenary of the Bulhoek Massacre.

Various government spheres and related stakeholders gathered in the Bulhoek heritage site to educate the province and nation about the importance of preserving social memory.

It was a sombre moment met with bitter-sweet commemoration, as few crowds gathered at the Bulhoek Massacre Heritage site in Ntabelanga, near Komani. This was to mark the 100 years since the ruthless massacre.

It became clear that the issue of land in this area will remain a thorny one - given that the people who rightfully deserve to own the land are still feeling the wounds of their forefathers.

Premier Mabuyane repeatedly highlighted the issue of peace and unity as a means to find healing from the hurtful event of the 24th of May 1921.

This is sequel to over 200 church members of the Church of God who were gunned down by apartheid police on the 21st of May 1921 in Ntabelanga after refusing to vacate a piece of land they regarded as a sacred place for worship.

The church members, who are known as Israelites” fought to the bitter end fighting for the right to freedom of worship against an oppressive government that refused them the right to worship and live in Ntabelanga. Their leader, Enoch Mgijima had called on all Israelites to gather and worship in Ntabelanga as he believed that the world was coming to an end.

On the 25th of May 1921, the brutal police force forcefully removed the remaining Israelites from Ntabelanga and left them strabded at the Komani show grounds.

Mgijima and his council were arrested, charged with treason and sentenced without giving evidence in court.

The incident at Bulhoek reverberated all over Africa and caught the attention of the world. Some historians believe that the Israelites were the victims of the segregationist government, as their struggle was a fight for land and exemption from taxes, as well as self-rule to end White oppression.