Johannesburg – As Chris Hani’s killer battles to get out of prison, hundreds of people gathered in Johannesburg today to mark the 20th commemoration of the late Communist Party leader’s death.
Today marks exactly 20 years since Hani was gunned down near his home in Dawn Park, Boksburg, on 10 April 1993. His killer Polish right-winger Janusz Walus was sentenced to death but his sentence was later converted to life imprisonment. The gun that killed Hani had been arranged by another right-winger Clive Derby-Lewis.
They were both sentenced to death, but this was commuted to life in prison when the death penalty was abolished in 1995.
It was reported last week that the 77-year-old Derby-Lewis, who has been diagnosed with hypertension and cancer, has been denied medical parole.
Scores of people wearing red T-shirts and matching caps bearing Chris Hani's face joined the Hani family, leaders of the ANC, alliance partners COSATU and the SA Communist Party in a white marquee adjacent to Hani’s grave.
President Jacob Zuma, who delivered a key note address, told the gathering that Hani’s death can only “be repaid” by an unwavering commitment to freedom and prosperity for all South Africans.
Zuma said Hani had, on many occasions, proved without a doubt that he was a courageous and fearless leader.
He never used his position for selfish gains and had a “deep understanding” of politics. “He took his responsibilities very serious in all structures…if we are to learn anything from Chris is that we can’t do things that he would himself not do,” Zuma said.
Zuma said South Africans inside and outside government needed to work towards ensuring that the ideals of economic and social freedom Hani fought for, were realised.
Comrades, family and friends all described Hani as “selfless revolutionary” who died for his political beliefs. But he was also a devoted family man who struggled to balance his political and family life.
Today Hani’s daughter Lindiwe said the family had accepted that they could no longer demand his attention as Hani had now belonged to all the people of South Africa.
“I remember the time when we as his children were complaining that we did not see much of him. He convened a family meeting and he made us understand that he will never be happy doing anything else other than fighting for the liberation of his people,” she said.
“I miss my father every day, just as the nation misses Chris Hani…we miss his courage and amazing leadership, he was an exceptional father. As long as we hold on to his memory, he will always be with us.”
As Hani’s death is commemorated, the South African Communist Party (SACP) once again used the occasion to call for a thorough investigation into his assassination.
“We want his killers to come and tell us who their partners were in the killing of Hani. We want nothing but the truth from them,” said SACP General Secretary Blade Nzimande.
Nzimande described Hani as not the kind of leader “who was hungry for wealth and positions”.
“He was not about the arrogant display of wealth and bling but a true revolutionary committed to the cause of liberating the people of South Africa.”
COSATU General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi said Hani continues to inspire South Africans through his exemplary leadership.
“He was one of the bravest sons of our people, almost loyal and independent cadre of our movement and the bullet that killed him killed South Africa,” said Vavi.
Earlier in the day, the ANC said Hani would have played an important role in government had he survived.
"The ideals he lived for are the ideals that inspire us as we relentlessly pursue the struggle for economic emancipation, non-racialism and a better life for all South Africans," spokesman Jackson Mthembu said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Zuma will later today rename the Pretoria Management Area of the Correctional Services Department to the King Mampuru 11 Management area.
The President will also use this event to launch Freedom Month. The country gained its freedom on 27 April 1994 when all South Africans were allowed to vote for a democratic government. – SAnews.gov.za
