Today marked the 24th anniversary of the death of struggle icon and SACP leader Chris Hani.
Hani was murdered on April 10 1993 outside his home in Boksburg.
President Jacob Zuma led the annual wreath laying ceremony at Thomas Nkobi Memorial Park in Boksburg.
Additionally, Zuma unveiled a plaque on the declaration of Hani’s grave and the Chris Hani Memorial and Walk of Remembrance as a National Heritage Site.
In his address, Zuma called Hani a “distinguished freedom fighter” and said that “he lived for his people”.
“In their actions, the killers of Chris Hani sought to sow division among the people of South Africa so that they could protect minority interests,” he said.
Zuma called on South Africans to fight racism and work toward a non-racial society. He said Hani believed in a non-racial society.
The #ChrisHaniMemorial and Walk of Remembrance plaques to be unveiled as a Heritage site. #ChrisHani pic.twitter.com/yvxgrbnK0y
— South African Gov (@GovernmentZA) April 10, 2017
He also slammed last week’s anti-Zuma protests, saying: “The marches that took place last week demonstrated that racism is real and exists in our country.
Many placards and posters displayed beliefs that we thought had been buried in 1994, with some posters depicting black people as baboons. It is clear that some of our white compatriots regard black people as being lesser human beings or sub-human.”
He said the “racist onslaught has become more direct and is no longer hidden” as it was during the earlier years of democracy.
“Racists no longer fear being caught or exposed,” he said.
Hani’s widow, Limpho, also attended the ceremony and addressed the crowd before Zuma. In her speech she took a moment to say that she is a member of the ANC, and did not support a faction of the party.
President Jacob Zuma, Mrs Limpo Hani and EM #CoE @mzwandileMasina #ChrisHani #ChrisHaniMemorial #ChrisHaniMemorialCoE pic.twitter.com/HjiFffaTZ2
— CITY OF EKURHULENI (@EMMInfo) April 10, 2017
Cosatu president Sdumo Dlamini said in a media statement: “Comrade Chris Hani was a brave soldier who did not rely on his bravery only but also on his brains and political clarity. He knew how to identify the enemy. He knew how to properly analyse that enemy and he knew when to shoot at the enemy. Do we still have the same discipline of bravery and strategic thinking in our ranks?”
In the statement, Dlamini also reiterated calls from Cosatu and the SACP for Zuma to step down.
“Perhaps coming here today to this gravesite to be closer to the spirit of comrade Chris – the brave revolutionary of our struggle – we can be revived and unite against a clearly defined enemy.”
The City of Ekurhuleni designated April as Chris Hani Month, and also announced in a statement that there will be programmes throughout April to pay tribute to Hani.
“Hani unashamedly spoke against socio-economic injustices and the perennial marginalisation of the majority. To pay tribute, the City continues to deliver services providing decent housing, primary healthcare, and working tirelessly to alleviate hunger,” the statement said.
Hunger, health and housing were Hani’s “primary issues”.
Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba is expected to give a memorial lecture tonight at the Boksburg Civic Centre, narrating Hani’s life.
Hani joined the SACP in 1961. He was also a former uMkhonto weSizwe commander.
Others took to Twitter today to remember Hani.
Today must serve as yet another reminder that too many people died for our freedom for us to be reckless with it. #ChrisHani pic.twitter.com/YKorg89XPo
— Sello Hatang (@sellohatang) April 10, 2017
Three key things #ChrisHani fought for and he was unapologetic about. 1. Land ownership 2. Free education 3. Free medical care pic.twitter.com/ZoKJGLOmAK
— Mweli Masilela (@mwelimasilela) April 10, 2017
When you look at SA today, you realise that ppl like #ChrisHani died in vain - not forgetting that his wife is still searching for answers
— Laurika Nxumalo (@LaurikaMaZwide) April 10, 2017
May all young S. Africans have the heart, courage and dedication shown by #ChrisHani for this democracy of ours! #RememberingChrisHani
— Darkie Wa Sokola (@CarollZA) April 10, 2017
"If you want peace then you must struggle for social justice"- #ChrisHani #RememberingChrisHani pic.twitter.com/WYCAeiq9cX
— LawyersHumanRights (@LHR_SA) April 10, 2017
Three key things #ChrisHani fought for and he was unapologetic about. 1. Land ownership 2. Free education 3. Free medical care pic.twitter.com/ZoKJGLOmAK
— Mweli Masilela (@mwelimasilela) April 10, 2017