Dozens of attendees and guests were left stunned on April 8 when the 33rd annual Chris Hani wreath-laying ceremony in Boksburg was abruptly called off at the last minute, just as guests arrived and a choir began warming up for the official start.

Traditionally, the event is held at Thomas Nkobi Memorial Park, formerly known as South Park Cemetery, on April 10.

This is the day that Chris Hani, former leader of the South African Communist Party (SACP), was assassinated in 1993 outside his home in Dawn Park by Janusz Waluś.

The commemoration is typically hosted by the City of Ekurhuleni in collaboration with the Hani family, the SACP, the ANC, Umkhonto we Sizwe and Cosatu.

However, at this year’s planned 33rd commemoration, chaos erupted.

Proceedings were delayed for nearly an hour before the event was ultimately cancelled, following prolonged discussions between the ANC, SACP and the City of Ekurhuleni over how the programme should be conducted.

Notably, the Hani family was absent. Reports suggest their non-attendance stemmed from unresolved issues with the municipality.

Following the delay, SACP’s Thulas Nxesi addressed the crowd, announcing that both the party and the Hani family had opted not to participate due to concerns that proper preparations and agreed-upon arrangements had not been followed.

He said attempts to resolve the matter had failed, adding that the SACP and its members were uncomfortable proceeding in the absence of the family.

Nxesi apologised for the disagreement and indicated that the government would continue with its own programme, while emphasising the need for further engagement among stakeholders to mend the breakdown.

Speaking on behalf of the city, ANC regional secretary and Ekurhuleni finance MMC Jongizizwe Dlabathi confirmed that, after internal consultations, a decision had been taken to adjourn the event.

He said the city remained committed to commemorating Hani “with harmony, honour and dignity,” particularly through improved collaboration with the SACP.

Dlabathi apologised to attendees, describing the situation as an unfortunate mishap and stressing that the city would not proceed without full agreement among all parties.

ANC Treasurer-General Gwen Ramokgopa added that the Hani family was grieving a recent bereavement, which made their participation impossible.

“It is important that we honour our leaders together with their families,” she said, noting that proceeding without them, especially during a time of mourning, would have been disrespectful.

She added that stakeholders would “go back to the drawing board” to ensure a more co-ordinated approach.

Despite the official cancellation, a small group of ANC members, led by Youth League president Collen Malatji, proceeded to the gravesite. Carrying wreaths, they sang struggle songs before laying the wreaths in honour of Hani.

Speaking to journalists, Malatji said Hani’s legacy belonged to all South Africans and should not be subject to political disputes.

He criticised what he described as opportunism within the SACP, while reaffirming the ANC’s commitment to preserving Hani’s legacy.

Malatji also acknowledged tensions between the municipality and the Hani family, but expressed confidence that the issues would be resolved.

It was reported that the main event to honour Hani is apparently going to take place in Mpumalanga instead.

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