On the 10th of April 1993, one of South Africa’s most dedicated, selfless and principled freedom fighters, Martin Thembisile Chris Hani, was gunned down on the driveway of his home in Boksburg. The brutal assassination of Chris Hani nearly brought to a halt the negotiations for peace that were taking place between the ANC and the former Apartheid regime.
Hani, a former Chief of Staff of the ANC military wing, uMkhonto we Sizwe, was initially opposed to the suspension of the armed struggle. But after being engaged by his comrades, he was in the forefront of calling for peace and the sustenance of negotiations. The assassination of Chris Hani came after he chastised those who were advancing violence and who did not participate in the negotiation processes. He was dedicated to finding a lasting solution to our challenges.
On this occasion of the 24th Annivessary of the killing of Chris Hani, Free State Premier, Hon. Ace Magashule pays tribute to the late Chris Hani on behalf of the Free State Provincial Government and the people of the Free State in general. Premier Ace Magashule worked with Chris Hani during the struggle for freedom and democracy.
After its banning, the ANC relied on the underground operations to keep the momentum of the struggle. As an underground operative at the time, Premier Magashule, together with Free State-born Member of Parliament, Hon. Thabo Manyoni, late Benji Cholota, and others, received orders from Chris Hani to render the Apartheid regime ungovernable. The killing of Chris Hani robbed our country of one of the disciplined volunteers of our struggle for socio-economic freedom.
“Comrade Chris Hani was an esteemed organizer, a selfless cadre and a volunteer of the people, who was dedicated to the cause of the struggle till the end. We will always remember him. The Free State pays tribute to him for his unrelenting contribution to the struggle against Apartheid” – Premier Magashule said.
Enquiries:
Mr. Tiisetso Makhele
Premier’s Spokesperson
Email: tiisetso.makhele@fspremier.gov.za/makhelets@live.com
Tel: 051 405 5799
Fax: 086 577 3317
Cell: 076 833 0033
