12.04.2025
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Ellis Park Soweto Derby disaster remembered 24 years later

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  • Lessons in security and crowd control were learned on that fateful day.

2 minutes

On this day, 24 years ago, 43 football spectators lost their lives during a Soweto Derby featuring Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at Ellis Park. Both were in contention for league honours, and interest in the match was unprecedented.

The stadium was packed, with reports suggesting 60,000 spectators were at the venue, while tens of thousands of spectators were still outside at kick-off. But the red flags were ignored.

Chiefs opened the scoring in the 15th minute. Those outside the venue forced their way into the stadium to celebrate with those inside, with catastrophic consequences. Benedict Vilakazi equalised in the 17th minute — the goal broke the camel’s back.

The security lost total control of the situation, and a stampede ensued. 43 fans lost their lives in what remains the biggest disaster in the history of South African football.

Lessons in security and crowd control were learned on that fateful day, and corrective measures were implemented—measures that apply to this day.

The two clubs still mourn the dead as their own kin and cherish and honour their memory.

 

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