IT has been 23 years since the murder of the late freedom fighter Chris Hani.
Chris Thembisile Hani was the leader of the South African Communist Party and the chief of staff of Umkhonto we Sizwe, and a fierce opponent of the apartheid government. He remains an integral part of South Africa’s political history, particularly the City of Ekurhuleni, where he was shot dead at his house in Dawn Park, Boksburg on April 10, 1993.
In commemorating his legacy, 45 Ekurhuleni libraries are running photographic exhibitions, as well as essay and drawing competitions for primary school learners, portraying the life and times of Chris Hani. It is set to run until the end of April.
In continuing the narration of the life and times of Chris Hani, the City of Ekurhuleni is set to convene a memorial lecture on April 8 at Boksburg Civic Centre, to be presented by a notable speaker with in-depth knowledge and understanding of Hani.
High school and primary school learners from across the region will converge on the Boksburg Civic Centre on April 9 to battle it out with learners from the Chris Hani Municipality in the Eastern Cape in debate sessions.
On April 10, President Jacob Zuma is expected to join the Hani family together with the City of Ekurhuleni to observe the day of the passing of Hani through a wreath-laying ceremony at Thomas Titus Nkobi Cemetery in Boksburg. Hani’s grave was declared a National Heritage Site by President Jacob Zuma in 2015.
Furthermore, the City of Ekurhuleni will, in continuing to uphold Chris Hani’s ideals, officially hand over a brand-new clinic to the community of Villa Lisa on April 10.
To conclude the month-long celebrations, a groundbreaking one-hour theatre production is being brewed to wow theatregoers by showcasing Hani’s efforts in realising his HHH (housing, health and hunger) ideals.
The theatre production will take place at the Springs Theatre on the evening of April 24.
