ANC stalwart’s reburial sees a hero’s return from exile
Westpark Cemetery saw the reburial of former ANC Secretary General Duma Nokwe, alongside his wife. After a life of exile, he will now be reunited with his fallen brothers.
South Africa paid respect at the re-burial of the late activist and policitican, Duma Nokwe. The burial ceremony started at Randburg Sports Complex and moved to Westpark Cemetery on May 17.
Born in 1927 in the dusty township of Evaton, Nokwe’s name, which translates to: ‘Thunder on a cloudless day’, reflects the influence he had during a tough time in the country’s fight against apartheid.
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Nokwe emerged as a pivotal figure for change, being the African National Congress (ANC) Director of International Affairs, working towards a better future for South Africa and securing constitutional rights which he himself did not live to witness.
His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1949, followed by an LLB degree in 1955. On March 9, 1956, he made history by becoming the first black advocate to be admitted to the Johannesburg Society of Advocates, according to the Duma Nokwe Group.
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During the re-burial ceremony, Platoon Commander Vuyisile Mamfengu, of the Umkhonto we Sizwe Liberation War Veterans (MKLWV), commented on Nokwe’s legacy. He noted that this moment revived the spirit of all comrades in the ANC, especially those who stood with him in exile in Zambia.
“He had a very important role as the Secretary General of the ANC, under the late comrade Oliver Tambo,” Mamfengu remarked, placing importance on Nokwe’s determination for freedom.
Mamfengu also highlighted that the re-burial was a way for Nokwe to be reunited with his exiled brethren, as his remains were only repatriated to South Africa last year.
To keep his legacy alive, Mamfengu concluded that they honour him through lecturers, and, as time goes by, by renaming streets and buildings in recognition for the role he played in the struggle.
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