In a spirited rebuke, Limpho Hani, the widow of the late anti — apartheid leader Chris Hani, has lambasted the City of Ekurhuleni for its handling of the 33rd anniversary commemoration of her husband’s assassination. The event, which Limpho Hani termed a “wreath-laying, “was met with her family’s absence, a move she attributed to the municipality’s role in the proceedings.
The original plan, as Hani recounted, was for the event to be a simple wreath — laying ceremony, scheduled two days prior to the actual assassination date. However, the event’s transformation into a broader commemoration, without prior consultation with the Hani family, left Limpho feeling alienated. “This is not a new thing, “she lamented. “.
With the new mayor, it has escalated to higher heights, where I don’t exist.”The estrangement between Limpho Hani and the Ekurhuleni municipality has reached a boiling point, with Limpho dismissing the notion that she was influenced against attending. “I am a 78-year-old, I cannot be influenced by anybody, “she declared, emphasizing her autonomy in making decisions on behalf of the Hani family.
The scene at the event on Wednesday, as described by Limpho Hani, was reminiscent of a “stokvel on my husband’s grave.”She called for politicians to respect the families of fallen heroes, vowing to protect her husband’s legacy. “I will fight till I die. I will not allow people to do Mickey Mouse games on my husband’s grave and change the plans that I had as a family, “she.
Despite the municipality’s assertion that it is committed to mending its relationship with the Hani family, Acting Ekurhuleni Mayor Jongizizwe Dlabathi revealed plans for joint planning with the family, the South African Communist Party (SACP), and the city. The municipality is hopeful that once the family is satisfied with the approach, they will reconvene.
In a statement to the media, ANC Treasurer General Gwen Ramokgopsa cited a family bereavement as the reason for the Hani family’s absence. However, Limpho Hani refuted this, stating that their family funeral took place before Easter, and she was already in Johannesburg at the time.
Source: enca
Original author: Zandile.Khumalo
