10 April 2008
Today 15 years ago, a martyr was taken away from his people.
The sudden and brutal killing of Chris Thembisile Hani on the drive way of his home on the eve of South Africa's first democratic election threatened to derail the peace process that was nearing finality.
His life was cut short on 10 April 1993 before he could even realise the fruits of the struggle for liberation to which he had dedicated his entire life.
South Africans in their resolve to attain the freedom that heroes like Hani had paved way for, soldiered despite the evil attempts of those who sought to divert the people's attention from achieving freedom.
Because of his confidence in his people, Chris Hani knew that victory was certain, that change was unavoidable, that freedom could not be postponed forever, and that one day all the people of South Africa would overcome their divisions and live together as one people.
In his address to a rally just four days before his death, Chris Hani said "I do not accept people calling for war because I feel we have achieved something in this country where those who oppressed us in the past are actually talking to us and showing readiness to negotiate for democratic elections. I am saying to these comrades here that everyone should be a combatant, a fighter for peace".
With those words Chris Hani demonstrated that the ANC was indeed committed to finding a solution to the problems we faced through dialogue.
Those of us who were fortunate to have seen the birth of the new and democratic South Africa, enjoying the freedom to which Chris Hani dedicated his life, should continue to uphold the humane values that defined his life and leadership, knowing that we are living out ideals that will never perish because of their moral force.
At the very height of racist bigotry, Chris Hani sustained the long, tried and tested tradition of his predecessors in the ANC, championing forgiveness, advocating non-racialism, non-sexism, equality and justice for all.
Chris Hani championed the cause of peace, trudging to every corner of South Africa calling for a spirit of tolerance among all our people.
We remain heavily indebted as a nation in the sacrifices that people like Chris Hani made.
In recognition of his selfless dedication to the struggle, the ANC posthumously bestowed upon him the honour of Isithwalandwe - the highest honour awarded by the ANC to those who have made an outstanding contribution and sacrifice to the liberation struggle.
We who continue to witness the fruits of the liberation struggle that Chris and others so hard fought for, must ensure that we safeguard this freedom and democracy won through the loss of lives.
The ANC makes a passionate call to all its cadres to not only remember Chris Hani and what he stood for, but to emulate his work as we move towards the realisation of a better for all.
Issued by African National Congress
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