South African Seeks Information On Secret Ghanair Flight

Accra, Sept. 4, A South African who said he helped in a secret movement of refugees from South Africa to safety after the Sharpville massacre is asking those who were involved to contact him since he is writing the history of the flights. In a statement received by GNA in Accra today, Ronald Watts of Empangeni, said a Ghana Airways DC3 aeroplane was involved in the flight on September 12, 1960. ''The plane was chartered to carry South African refugees, including Adelaide Tambo and her children to safety at a time when much of Africa was hostile territory. ''The plane landed at Francistown on an airfield operated by the Witwatersrand Native Labour Association who were also hostile.'' Mr. Watts said at the time, the entire operation was kept secret, but it now has to be publicised. He said it demonstrated the solidarity shown by other African states in the early stages of the South African liberation struggle. ''As the one who organised transport from Serome to meet the DC3, I am now trying to write the history of the event before more of the people involved at the time die. ''Anyone who was involved in Ghana, Tanzania, South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho or Botswana with the movement of refugees in 1960- 61 is invited to supply relevant information or put down what they can remember.'' Mr Watts's address is c/o Ngwelezane Hospital, Post Bag X20021, Empangeni, 3880, South Africa. His telephone number is 0353 401560. His fax number of 0353 401634.