The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) joins the country and the entire liberation movement in celebrating the life and legacy of struggle stalwart Martin Thembisile Hani, affectionately known as Chris. He was a force to be reckoned with, and a formidable threat to the collaborators of apartheid, who assassinated him on this day in 1993, at the age of 50.

Undeterred by the then political system, Comrade Chris was vocal against the evils of oppression and exploitation, more so its dire implications on those under its wrath. His resentment for all forms of tyranny and capitalism was instilled very early in his life, where he witnessed multiple injustices in his youth. One such occasion was in 1954, while of school-attending age, a number of his teachers who were active in the Unity Movement lost their jobs after they protested against the introduction of Bantu education. Such experiences would play a major role in the shaping of his convictions, rooted in Marxism-Leninism, a belief system he stood firmly for until his untimely death.

To him as the Chief of Staff of Umkhonto we Sizwe, later as General-Secretary of the South African Communist Party (SACP) and member of the African National Congress’ National Executive Committee, the people’s liberation did not only equate to freedom from racial segregation. It also entailed economic emancipation towards socialism. He is quoted as having said, “Socialism is not about big concepts and heavy theory. Socialism is about decent shelter for those who are homeless. It is about water for those who have no safe drinking water. It is about healthcare. It is about a life of dignity for the old. It is about overcoming the huge divide between urban and rural areas. It is about a decent education for all our people…”

To date, his deep resolve on socialism remains. It is an undeniable reminder to the liberation movement to recommit to bridging the gap between the rich and the poor, refusal to submit to self-enrichment systems that impose unemployment, which intensify the jaws of poverty. Forms of discrimination that a majority of South Africans are subjected to through their lived experience are an embarrassment considering what Comrade Chris and other struggle icons fought for. Whilst the struggle produced notable change through progressive laws, more should be done to uplift those facing economic segregation and lack of adequate service delivery.

May Chris Hani’s legacy be a reminder to the entire liberation movement and Alliance, government and society at large, of the unceasing struggle towards improving quality of life for all and the complete emancipation and empowerment of all South Africans, in particular the working class.

Issued by COSATU

Zanele Sabela (COSATU National Spokesperson)

Mobile: 079 287 5788 / 077 600 6639

Email: zaneles@cosatu.org.za