Mayor says Hani an inspiration in fight against Covid-19

The mayor of Ekurhuleni metro Mzwandile Masina expressed a measure of sadness in a statement to commemorate the 27th anniversary of the assassination of Thembisile Chris Hani on April 10.

“Today we remember the extraordinary life of the former chief of staff of Mkhonto we Sizwe (MK), a man who embodied the spirit of selflessness and courage,” Masina said.

“We are particularly saddened by the fact that due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we will be unable to make our annual pilgrimage to Hani’s gravesite at the Thomas Nkobi Memorial Park to commemorate this giant of Ekurhuleni.”

He said Hani’s passion for education and fighting against poverty will not be forgotten and that his legacy is written in the lives of the young people of Ekurhuleni who have become beneficiaries of the metro’s R100-million bursary scheme.

“It is also written in the over 8 000 title deeds we have given to the most vulnerable in society to restore their dignity and it will endure in the lecture halls of the soon-to-be-built Ekurhuleni University of Science, Technology, and Innovation,” said the mayor.

“One of the remarkable aspects of Hani’s life that we remember today, was his involvement in the MK-led Wankie Campaign.

“Hani was the commissar of the MK unit called the Luthuli Detachment, which was named in honour of the ANC President, Chief Albert Luthuli, who died in July 1967.”

On July 31, 1967, the ANC, for the first time, launched an operation with the possibility of militarily engaging the apartheid regime in South Africa.

The 79-strong ANC guerrillas and members of the Zimbabwean African People’s Union of the Luthuli Detachment, under the leadership of Hani, embarked on the dangerous mission of crossing the Rhodesian Reserve into South Africa.

Multiple battles ensued in the weeks to come. The last clash between the guerrillas and the Rhodesians took place on September 4, 1967.

By then, some of the guerrillas had been killed, some had been imprisoned by the Rhodesian or Botswana authorities and some had found refuge in Zambia or Swaziland.

Only one guerrilla managed to travel back to South Africa.

“Even today, over five decades later, we draw inspiration from the bold and brave leadership Hani displayed during the Wankie Campaign.

“As we fight a different type of enemy today, in the form of Covid-19, we draw inspiration from his fearless fighting spirit. Even when the odds were stacked against the Luthuli Detachment, they continued their fight for justice.

“We too must fight relentlessly to stop the spread of Covid-19 and restore normality in our country.”

Masina also paid tribute to Hani’s widow, Limpho, who he said has unflinchingly kept the memory of Hani alive, adding the metro remains committed to hosting a wreath-laying ceremony in memory of Hani after lockdown.

“I commend the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, honorable Ronald Lamola, for denying the assassin, Janusz Walus, parole in March,” Masina concluded.

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