Chris Hani’s legacy lives on 33 years after assassination

KWAGGAFONTEIN — Communities gathered in large numbers at Mthombomuhle Community Hall on Friday, 10 April 2026, to commemorate the life and legacy of struggle icon Chris Thembisile Hani, marking 33 years since his assassination.

Hani, a former South African Communist Party (SACP) leader and Chief of Staff of uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), was assassinated on 10 April 1993, in Boksburg. His death remains one of the most painful and defining moments in South Africa’s history, yet his legacy continues to inspire the fight for equality, justice and economic freedom.

The commemoration event brought together government leaders, political organisations, traditional leaders and community members, all reflecting on Hani’s contribution to the liberation struggle and the ongoing challenges facing South Africa today.

Among those in attendance were Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie, Deputy Minister Peace Mabe, Mpumalanga MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs Speedy Mashilo, Chairperson of the Mpumalanga House of Traditional Leaders Kgoshi Lameck Mokoena, MEC for Health Sasekani Mnzini, MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs Nompumelelo Hlophe, and Thembisile Hani Local Municipality Mayor Lesetja Dikgale.

Members of the Hani family, including his wife Dimpho Hani, daughter Lindiwe Hani and son Mphateli Hani, were also present, adding a personal and emotional dimension to the event.

Speakers described Hani as a committed revolutionary who dedicated his life to fighting inequality, unemployment and injustice, particularly for the working class. His role in shaping the country’s democratic path continues to resonate with many South Africans.

McKenzie used the platform to call for unity within the alliance, urging the African National Congress (ANC) and the SACP to resolve their differences and work together in the spirit of Hani’s vision.

“Comrade Hani fought for peace, solidarity, equality and freedom for all. We are not yet where we want to be as a country, but we are also not where we were, and that is because of leaders like Hani,” he said.

He stressed that South Africans must unite to confront persistent challenges such as unemployment, inequality and social division.

“When two elephants fight, the grass suffers. We must fix our differences and unite in the spirit of Comrade Hani,” McKenzie added.

Mashilo echoed similar sentiments, describing Hani as a central figure in the struggle for democracy and equality.

“The assassination of Comrade Chris Hani is one of the painful events to have rocked our country in the fight for democracy, equality, and constitutionality in our country. It reminds us of the sacrifices made for the democratic society we have today — a society that must remain free, equal, just, and non-racial” he said.

He called on South Africans not to be divided but to remain united in keeping the legacy of Comrade Hani alive as one nation, further emphasising that the ANC and SACP are one and should work together as a united family.

Hani’s wife, Mam’ Dimpho Hani, called for unity between the ANC and SACP, saying her late husband’s vision was for the two to work together in solidarity.

“My wish and prayer is to see these two parties working together as one like before and forgiving each other, because there is no way that we can forgive whites for what they did to us and fail to forgive each other,” she said.

She emphasised that Hani’s struggle was rooted in improving the lives of ordinary South Africans and urged leaders to honour his legacy through meaningful action rather than words.

SACP national treasurer Joyce Moloyi Morupa said the party remains committed to fighting inequality and improving living conditions.

“We are commemorating this day with heavy hearts, but also with determination. As long as our people are not economically free, we cannot say we have achieved true freedom,” she said.

Morupa added that the SACP will continue to focus on addressing unemployment, poverty and inequality, particularly among young people who remain disproportionately affected.

Community members also used the platform to voice their concerns, highlighting ongoing struggles related to unemployment, poverty and social challenges.

Some residents expressed frustration over the lack of tangible progress, saying more needs to be done to improve living conditions and create opportunities.

“We want better living conditions, we want jobs and we want stability. We are tired of promises — we want to see real change,” said one community member.

Others raised concerns about the growing impact of drug abuse, crime and the lack of opportunities for young people, calling on government to take decisive and sustained action.

The concerns raised reflect broader socio-economic challenges that continue to affect many communities across the country, particularly in rural and township areas.

Despite these challenges, the commemoration served as a powerful reminder of Hani’s enduring legacy and the continued relevance of his ideals.

Hani is widely remembered as a fearless leader who dedicated his life to the struggle for justice, equality and dignity for all South Africans.

His assassination, which was intended to destabilise the country, instead strengthened the resolve of South Africans to continue the struggle for freedom and democracy.

As the country marks 33 years since his passing, the message from the commemoration was clear — Hani’s vision of unity, equality and economic freedom remains as relevant today as it was during the liberation struggle.