By Bulelwa Hoala
- The PAC has opened a criminal case after the gravesite of founding member Robert Sobukwe was vandalised, condemning the act as an attack on African dignity.
- The incident comes amid tensions over the renaming of Graaff-Reinet to Robert Sobukwe Town, which has sparked protests from some residents.
- Police have registered the case, no arrests have been made, and authorities are urging the public to provide information as the PAC calls for a thorough investigation.
The Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC) has confirmed that a criminal case was opened on Wednesday, 18 March 2026, after the gravesite of its founding member, Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe, was recently vandalised.
In a statement on its official account on X, the political party condemned the act and labelled it an attack on African dignity.
“We call on law enforcement to act with urgency and ensure that those responsible are swiftly arrested and brought to justice. We further call on the public to come forward with any information that may assist the investigation,” the statement reads.
This comes after members of the PAC recently marched on Saturday, 14 March, in support of the name change of Graaff-Reinet to Robert Sobukwe Town.
The name change was gazetted by Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, on 6 February. However, it was followed by a 30-day objection period, during which two protests took place on 28 February and 1 March by residents opposed to the change.
The PAC has linked the vandalism of the gravesite to these recent events.
“It is deeply concerning that such an incident occurs at a time when the voice and vision of Sobukwe are being reignited across the country. The PAC views this act not merely as vandalism, but as a deliberate and calculated attempt to tarnish the name, legacy, and enduring contribution of Sobukwe,” the party said.
The Graaff-Reinet SAPS has registered a case following the incident, and authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward.
As of Thursday morning, no arrests have been made, and the PAC has called for a “thorough and transparent” investigation to ensure the perpetrators are identified.