President Jacob Zuma has expressed sadness on the passing of struggle stalwart, Mr Reggie Vandeyar who passed away today, 17 September 2015 in Johannesburg.
The President said Mr Vandeyar will be remembered for his selfless dedication in the struggle against apartheid as a member of Umkhonto Wesizwe, the military wing of the African National Congress, and a fearless member of the Transvaal Indian Congress and the Communist Party.
Mr Vandeyar, who was an active delegate to the Congress of the People that established the Freedom Charter in 1995 in Kliptown, was amongst the first three members of Indian origin to be arrested for MK activities in the then Transvaal. They were sentenced to ten years each and were transferred to Robben Island.
In April 2014 President Zuma awarded a National Order of Mendi for Bravery to Mr Vandeyar for his remarkable bravery during the struggle against apartheid and for striving for a free and democratic South Africa.
“We are deeply saddened to lose struggle veterans like Comrade Reggie Vandeyar who are the reservoir of the history of our struggle for freedom. On behalf of government and all South Africans, we convey our heartfelt condolences to his family and relatives. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” President Zuma said.
Enquiries:
Bongani Majola
Cell: 082 339 1993
E-mail: mbonganim@presidency.gov.za
