Government on Thursday led commemorations of the 32nd anniversary of the assassination of SACP leader, Chris Hani. Hani was gunned down outside his Boksburg home by Polish immigrant Janusz Walus.
The SACP and government commemorated the life of the former
anti-apartheid activist at his hometown in Cofimvaba, in the Eastern Cape.
COURTESY: Facebook - South African Communist PartyDelivering the keynote address at the Chris Hani Memorial
Site, in Cofimvaba, Deputy President Paul Masahtile says this year’s
commemoration takes place during Freedom Month, which underlines the enduring
relevance of Chris Hani’s vision, says Mashatile, for a democratic, inclusive
and socially just South Africa.
‘’ Today, the world has come to know Martin Thembisile as
Chris Hani, a revolutionary, a commissar, a leader, a parent, a husband, and a
martyr, whose blood and sacrifices cleared the way to the 1994 historic
political breakthrough. Chris Hani’s assassination in April 1993 marked a
pivotal moment in the transition to democracy, as the killers aimed to plunge
the country into a civil war.’’
‘’However, despite the pain and anger in our people, his
untimely death united the majority of people in their pursuit of democracy. Remarkably,
on 27 April 1994, South Africa held its first non-racial election, marking the
end of apartheid. The ANC seized the moment from reluctant apartheid government
leaders who were resisting change and inflicting violence on innocent people in
trains, workplaces, and communities,’’ added Masahtile.
The Deputy President also commemorated the death of Oliver
Tambo,
‘’On the 24th of April 1993, 14 days after the
assassination of Chris Hani, a few days after his funeral, we lost another
giant of our struggle, Cde Oliver Tambo, who led and commanded the army both
Chris Hani and Solomon Mahlangu belonged to, the Umkhonto Wesizwe Liberation
Movement.’’
‘’As we commemorate the assassination of Comrade Chris
Hani, we also honour Comrade Oliver Tambo, who led the ANC and the mass
democratic movement until his death in 1993. Tambo's death concluded Martin
Luther's prophecy that a promised land would be reached, regardless of the
leaders who led the struggles. At all times, we must remember that our freedom
was not free.’’
According to Mashatile, the best way to homnour Hani’s life
is by ensuring safety for all people, regardless of race, gender, and creed,
and a society free from crime and gender-based violence, as well and protection
for women from criminals and murderous activities.
‘’Let us root out those who engage in extortion activities
and not protect those who exploit our society,’’ said Deputy President, Paul
Mashatile.
Bush Radio shared the news of the assassination of Chris Hani during its “pirate” broadcast in 1993
— Bush Radio 89.5 FM (@Bushradio) April 10, 2025
Visuals from the Richard Wicksteed documentary: Partial Eclipse available on https://t.co/vb3CnuSgks#BushRadio#independentmedia#chrishani#hani#SouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/KzGSuzLWoT
Done by: Mitchum George
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