10th April mark the 27th anniversary of the assassination of Thembisile Chris Hani with a measure of sadness, as we remember the extraordinary life of the former Chief of Staff of Mkhonto we Sizwe, a man who embodied the spirit of selflessness and courage.
We are particularly saddened by the fact that due to the COVID-19 global 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 the City of Ekurhuleni.
Chris Hani's passion for education and fighting against poverty will not be forgotten. His legacy is written across our beautiful City. It is written in the lives of the young people of Ekurhuleni who have become beneficiaries of the City's R100million bursary scheme.
It is written in the over 8000 title deeds the City has 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. One of the remarkable aspects of Chris Hani's life that we remember today, was his involvement in the uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) led Wankie Campain. Hani was the Commissar of MK unit called the Luthuli Detachment, which was named in honour of the African National Congress (ANC) President, Chief Albert Luthuli who died in July 1967.
On 31 July 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 (ZAPU) of the Luthuli Detachment, under the leadership of Chris 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 4 September 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 Chris 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 the fearless fighting spirit Chris Hani imbued. Even when the odds were stacked up 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.
We must also take this opportunity to equally pay tribute to Mama Limpho Hani who has unflinchingly kept the memory of Chris Hani alive. The South African and international media have time and time again attempted to vilify her and break her spirit, but she has remained resolute and dedicated to the dream of a National Democratic South Africa.
The City of Ekurhuleni sends its warm regards to the Mama Limpho and the Hani family on this painful day of remembrance. As a City, we will continue to unapologetically celebrate the life of Chris Hani, for as long as we are still in office. We are also committed to hosting a wreath-laying ceremony in memory of Chris Hani after the nation-wide lockdown has been rescinded. I would also wish to commend the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Hon. Ronald Lamola for denying the ruthless assassin, Janusz Walus parole in March, earlier this year.
Until Walus reveals who was the mastermind behind Chris Hani's assassination, he must forget ever experiencing freedom of any sort in his lifetime.
The City of Ekurhuleni is in the final stages of completing the transformation of Chris Hani's home in Dawn Park into a museum. The museum will stand as a living testament of the life and times of Chris Hani.
This is one of the ways the City will keep the memory of Chris Hani alive for future generations to come. The museum will help future generations understand and appreciate the sacrifices that were made in order for us to all enjoy the freedom we have