REMEMBERING CHRIS HANI

Chris Hani

By: Staff Reporter

Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae emphasized that the tragic events of April 10, 1993, serve as a poignant reminder of the cost of the freedom we cherish today.

During this month, as we commemorate Freedom Day, achieved on April 27, 1994, with the first democratic elections in our nation, it's equally crucial to reflect on the sacrifices made to reach our current state.

April is also the month when our martyrs, Solomon Mahlangu and Chris Hani, were killed.

Hani’s murder, in particular, was profoundly painful.

The quiet Dawn Park neighbourhood in Boksburg, where he lived with his family, was thrown into chaos when an assassin's bullet ended his life.

It was painful.

It was infuriating.

It was unjust.

Chris Hani dedicated a significant portion of his life to serving the people of this country.

He was killed during the holiest period of the calendar, exactly a year before the historic '94 elections. It was a grave provocation. Chris Hani lay lifeless on his driveway, blood pouring from his head. Amid the chaos, Tokyo Sexwale cried out like a child.

“They have killed Chris Hani,” he sobbed. We all wept.

South Africa lost one of apartheid's fiercest critics.

At his funeral service a week later, Mbhazima Shilowa sang a powerful freedom song in tribute to Chris Hani. ‘Hamba Kahle, he sang, as Chris Hani's coffin was lowered into the grave," said MaQueen.

She added, "Fortunately, we had wise and calm leadership that managed to ease tensions and prevent what could have been a destructive conflict.

Thirty-three years after that tragic day, we must reflect deeply and ask ourselves if we have done enough to bring about the changes Chris Hani envisioned for the people."

She emphasized that we must also remember that heroes like Hani and Oliver Tambo, who sadly passed away two weeks after Hani, spent their lives away from loved ones, fighting for a freedom they never witnessed.

In their memory, we must all strive to create a non-racial, non-sexist, and democratic society.

MaQueen reiterated that, in memory of Chris Hani, we must strive to unite all the people of our country, despite attempts by some to create division among South Africans.

When Chris Hani took his last breath on April 10, 1994, he inspired all South Africans to continue the struggle.

May his soul rest in peace.