27 April 2006
Premier Sibusiso Ndebele today offered his condolences to the family of
struggle icon, Strini Moodley, who spent years with the Premier on Robben
Island, resulting in them forming a close bond and friendship.
âComrade Strini was a true son of Africa, was one of the co-founders of the
Black consciousness Movement, and steadfast in his beliefs for a free South
Africa. When he came to the island, we formed a friendship and learned from
each other. Like many of us, he was sent to the Island as a young man. And
nothing could dissuade his thinking. Together, we grew, moulded our political
thinking, and became friends and confidantes,â said Premier Ndebele.
Premier Ndebele, a member of the African National Congress and chairperson
of KwaZulu-Natal was also imprisoned for his political activities. Comrade
Strini died on Thursday morning after a brief illness, a day celebrated by
South Africans embracing our freedom and our victories. Premier Ndebele added:
âMy heart and condolences go out to his wife, Asha and children. Life without
seeing our loved ones for years on end was severe for those of us imprisoned on
the island. It was agonising for our families. It may be difficult for Asha and
the children to reconcile with the fact that Comrade Strini has passed on. I
can only pray with them to have the courage and strength.â
It is indeed a bittersweet irony that April 27 is the day upon which we
first exercised our democratic right to vote and it is also the day upon which
we mourn the passing of a great freedom fighter. Farewell Comrade Strini, we
salute you.
Hamba Kahle Comrade Strini.
Enquiries:
Farhana Ismail
Cell: 082 889 1278
Issued by: Office of the Premier, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
27 April 2006
Source: KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government (http://www.kwazulunatal.gov.za)
