Special report on Hani’s murder, commemoration
The former leader of the South African Communist Party (SACP) is renowned for his leadership qualities and relentless pursuit of freedom for all South Africans.
In view of Chris Hani Month, the Advertiser compiled a special report on the late anti-apartheid icon, comprising a collection of previous reports on his murder, past events and many other developments organised to commemorate his life.
1993
Hani led the anti-apartheid struggle until his assassination on April 10, 1993, outside his Dawn Park home in Boksburg. At the time, the Advertiser’s April 16, 1993 issue featured a special report by Val Johnstone and Dirck Lotriet on the murder of the icon.
2006
The City of Ekurhuleni conferred the Freedom of the City to Chris Hani posthumously in November 2006 and declared April, the month in which he died, Chris Hani Month.
2015
Hani’s grave was declared a heritage site. On the 22nd anniversary of his death in 2015, former President Jacob Zuma officially unveiled the Chris Hani monument at Thomas Nkobi Memorial Park.
2016
The 23rd Chris Hani commemoration at Thomas Nkobi Memorial Park in 2016 was led by former ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe. Speaking at the ceremony, Limpho Hani, Hani’s wife, called the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) into question, saying perpetrators of apartheid crimes did not participate in the reconciliation process, only the foot soldiers did.
“I believe the government established the TRC in haste to ensure a transition from apartheid to freedom. As the Hani family, we still don’t have full disclosure, knowledge or truth as to what, who or why my husband was assassinated.
“This begs the question: Was the TRC effective, as millions like myself remain in the dark? I feel let down by my own government,” she said.
2017
The 24th Chris Hani commemoration was led by former President Jacob Zuma on April 10, 2017, at Thomas Nkobi Memorial. In his address, Zuma described Hani as a distinguished freedom fighter and revolutionary who lived for his people and believed in a non-racial society.
The event was, however, cut short by the heavy rainfall that prevented other speakers, including SACP deputy general Solly Mapaila, from speaking.
2018
The 25th Chris Hani commemoration was led by Chris Hani’s daughter, Lindiwe Hani, at Thomas Nkobi Memorial. Former Mayor of Ekurhuleni Mzwandile Masina told the crowd the country needs more people like Hani who have the courage and moral fortitude and confront racism.
2019
At the 26th annual wreath-laying ceremony, led by the Ekurhuleni metro and the SACP at the Thomas Nkobi Memorial Park, the stalwart was remembered for his simple message of collectivism. Speaking on behalf of the Hani family, Lindiwe Hani said if her father was still alive, he would have been disappointed to see leaders putting their interests ahead of the people’s needs.
Chris Hani wreath laying ceremony #ChrisHani @BoksburgNews pic.twitter.com/t9pgoD23gG
— Ntombi Sibeko (@CharityNtombza) April 10, 2019
“What we need in our country is for egos to be suppressed in favour of peace. It is no secret that racism is entrenched in our daily lives, and the sad part is that we are still tip-toeing around it.
“I am cognisant of the difficulties average South Africans face within such an environment while we struggle to survive. Everybody wants to have a job, but for me, that is not a struggle, what is important is the continuation of the struggle.
“The real problems of the country are not the ones in Cabinet, but what we do for the social upliftment of the working masses,” she said.
2020
In 2020, during the State of the City Address on March 18, the City of Ekurhuleni announced that Hani’s Dawn Park home would be officially opened as a heritage site and family museum. The project to convert the house into a museum costs the City about R50-million. However, two years later, the museum is not yet open to the public.
2021
The anti-apartheid soldier’s 28th annual wreath-laying ceremony was led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, former Mayor Mzwandile Masina and the Hani family at Thomas Nkobi Memorial Park. Among attendees were SACP leader Blade Nzimande, ministers from different government departments, representatives from political parties and the community at large.
Speaking at the event, Ramaphosa described Hani as a unifier and called on political parties to follow in the footsteps of Hani.
“Comrade Chris was a unifier, but above anything else, he was a nation builder, even as a communist he was a quintessential national builder. He was a champion of non-racialism and non-sexism and deeply committed to breaking down the barriers that had long kept our people apart.
“He was not the kind of a leader who through reckless behaviour, ill-discipline and self-serving actions would divide his movement and polarise the nation,” said Ramaphosa.
2022
Like previous events, this year, on April 10, dignitaries from national, provincial and local spheres are expected to descend on Boksburg to commemorate the life and times of Hani with a wreath-laying ceremony at his gravesite.
The dignitaries, including top brass from government and political institutions, will join the Hani family and community members to mark the 29th annual Chris Hani commemoration at the Thomas Nkobi Memorial Park from 10:00.
This time, the City of Ekurhuleni will be represented by Mayor Tania Campbell, local government and political leaders and ordinary residents of the City.
The theme for this year’s celebration is Our City, Our Health, which is in line with the triple H ideals Hani advocated for during his political career, including the provision of decent housing, primary health care and alleviation of hunger.
