The Trevor Huddleston CR Memorial Centre (THMC), in collaboration with EMS Productions and the Gauteng Film Commission, will mark Human Rights Day 2026 with a public screening of Murder in Paris: The Assassination of Dulcie September, a compelling documentary produced and directed by award winning Enver Samuel.
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On 29 March 1988, the assassination of Dulcie September, the African National Congress’s Chief Representative in France, sent shockwaves through South Africa and the world.
As she tackled the complex web of apartheid-era arms deals, September's untimely death marked a pivotal moment in the struggle for justice. Nearly four decades later, her case remains emblematic of the ongoing quest for accountability within the country's democratic framework.
In recognition of Human Rights Day 2026, the Trevor Huddleston CR Memorial Centre (THMC), in collaboration with EMS Productions and the Gauteng Film Commission, invites the public to engage with this poignant part of history by screening the documentary Murder in Paris: The Assassination of Dulcie September, directed by award-winning filmmaker Enver Samuel.
This event will not only spotlight September's legacy but will also reignite discussions surrounding the repercussions of her murder and its implications on South Africa's pursuit of justice.
September's assassination reverberates as a haunting reminder; it raises vital inquiries about political accountability, institutional responsisibility, and the true meaning of justice in a constitutional democracy.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), established after apartheid, sought to address human rights violations and promote national healing. However, as unresolved cases persist, questions surrounding the TRC's effectiveness and the political will to foster real change remain central to public discourse.
As South Africa grapples with its past, this Human Rights Day, the THMC aims to facilitate a critical reflection on:
The screening will be accompanied by a moderated panel discussion, inviting diverse voices from civil society and youth perspectives to shape the conversation.
This collaboration serves as a significant platform for understanding the intertwined layers of history, accountability, and the power of collective memory.
Additionally, in a harmonious tribute to Sophiatown’s rich history as a bastion of artistic resistance during apartheid, renowned South African jazz musician Mandla Mlangeni, alongside The Wits School of Arts, will provide a live jazz performance.
This musical interlude serves not only as a reminder of South Africa's vibrant cultural legacy but also reflects the potent role of art in the pursuit of justice and healing.
The public screening of Murder in Paris promises to be an eye-opening experience, amplifying the call for justice while honouring the memory of Dulcie September. As South Africa steps forward into its democratic future, revisiting its past with honesty and resolve stands as the cornerstone of the nation's progress.
Venue: Trevor Huddleston Memorial Centre, Sophiatown
Date: 21 March 2026
Time: 2.30pm
Entrance: Free Entry
RSVP Essential: 083 550 7130/ [email protected]
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