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Zuma declares Albert Luthuli’s grave a national heritage site
Dr Albertina Luthuli pleads with Zuma for a new investigation into her father's untimely death
Thousands gathered in Groutville today (Friday) as President Jacob Zuma officially declared the grave of activist, politician and Africa’s first Nobel Peace Laureate Chief Albert Luthuli a national heritage site.
Luthuli, who was also a former African National Congress President, led a successful defiance campaign against the Apartheid government in the 1950s.
The 50th anniversary commemoration of Luthuli’s untimely death began this morning when Zuma laid flowers on the official memorial next to Luthuli’s final resting place and that of his wife Nokukhanya Luthuli.
This was followed by a service at the Groutville United Congregational Church, where Luthuli was laid to rest.
Later addressing crowds at Groutville sports field Zuma described Luthuli as a person who symbolised unity and peace.
“He was an honest man and a leader who was able to unite people from different backgrounds,” said Zuma.
“He was also a chief, preacher and a politician, but he managed to combine all these in an excellent manner.”
Zuma emphisised that Luthuli died under “suspicious circumstances”.
The struggle icon was reportedly hit by a train in Groutville on July 21, 1967, however his daughter, Dr Albertina Luthuli, said that this could not be the whole truth and insisted that a full investigation needed to be made.
“There was no way that he did not hear the train coming. He was in good health at that time. The real cause of his death must be revealed, ” said Albertina during the service.
She urged the government to “stand up and find the truth, because what was reported was a lie”.
“I will never forget the day I received the news of my father’s death.”
KwaZulu Natal premier Willies Mchunu agreed that an investigation must be made so that the family could find closure.
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