Ntela Sullivan Sikhosana, an SANDF Major and former Umkhonto We Sizwe Commander in Natal Midlands region, died on Saturday, 22 August 1998.
Major Sikhosana was born on the 23th August 1964. He matriculated at Wembezi High in 1983. During 1983, as a young activist he was forced into exile in Mozambique where, together with three fellow comrades, was arrested and imprisoned for six months.
An intervention by ANC Deputy-President, Jacob Zuma and the late SACP Chairman, Joe Slovo secured his release. He proceeded to Zambia and then to Angola where he received military training. He was appointed Commissar. In his quest for professionalism, Major Sikhosana went to Cuba where he received training in Military Intelligence and International politics.
When he returned to South Africa, he joined the underground ranks of MK. In 1987, he was arrested for the "Empangeni Operation" and was sentenced to Robben Island for 12 years in 1989. Sikhosana was, due to special amnesty, released in 1991. Major Sikhosana, a highly disciplined and respected cadre was promoted to the rank of Commander of MK for the Natal Midlands region until 1994. As as tried and tested soldier, he was promoted to the rank of Major in the new South African Army and was the Head of Integration and Demobilization process.
As an SANDF Major, he was responsible for the Military Intelligence office Group 9 in Pietermaritzburg. In Group 9 he worked under tremendous constraints which resulted in him leading an extremely stressful life. Pressure was further put on him when he, during Sifiso Nkabinde trial was responsible for coordinating key aspects of the case.
He was admitted at St Anne's hospital on Monday, 17 August 1998, seeking treatment for stress and high temperature. The following Thursday, he was transferred from Pietermaritzburg to Pretoria without the formal consent of his wife and the family. Thus no member accompanied Major Sikhosana to Military Hospital where his condition dramatically changed which resulted in his sudden death.
Major Sikhosana served the ANC and MK with distinction. This quality of service was reproduced with integrity when he was integrated into the SANDF. Major Sikhosana was a true son of the liberation movement. He will always treasure his contribution.
The ANC dips its revolutionary banner in memory of this fallen hero. In this regard, the ANC sends its heartfelt condolences to his wife, Pietermaritzburg Deputy-Mayor, Makhosi Khoza; their three children, Zama, seven years old; Neto, five and Mlando, two; relatives and friends.
Issued by: ANC Greater Pietermaritzburg Region
27 August 1998
Contact Bongi Sithole,
ANC Regional Secretary
083 772 8531