The Heroes Acre in the Phahameng Cemetery

In Bloemfontein, Free State there is a designated ‘Heroes Acre’ section at the burial site located in Phahameng Magegenene Burial Site, established in 1983 by Mr. Alexander Zandi Twayi. The burial site is located between Batho and Waaihoek (Heidedal) and is considered the first by default and probably the biggest in Mangaung. The site is a resting place for inhabitants of Batho location, the first black township in Bloemfontein, and surrounding neighborhoods (Bochabela, Phahameng, Rocklands, etc.).

The site is a resting place for victims of two Maseru massacres who were successfully repatriated. It is also a site where prominent leaders and struggle fighters of the ANC, AZAPO, SACP, MK, APLA and UDF.

Thomas Mtobi Mapikela (exhumed from Hamilton Cemetery), Martha Moipone Motlhakwana and Isabella “Winkie” Direko are among the people resting at the Phahameng Cemetery.