Freedom fighter laid to rest in Gamalakhe
Malanda served in the MK as one of the ANC's, SACP's and COSATU's underground freedom fighters during the years of the apartheid government.
uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) freedom fighter Commander Mnyamezeli Leonard Malanda was laid to rest at his family’s graveyard in Gamalakhe recently.
Malanda served in the MK as one of the ANC’s, SACP’s and COSATU’s underground freedom fighters during the years of the apartheid government.
Lindani Mzotho who served under Malanda said he died at his home on Freedom Day (April 27). His funeral was attended by ANC heavyweights such as former police minister Bheki Cele, former KZN finance minister Ravi Pillay, Ugu mayor Sikhumbuzo Mqadi and Ray Nkonyeni Municipality speaker Phumlani Gumbi.
Mzotho said speakers described Malanda as a selfless soldier who was also involved in community development initiatives. Malanda was one of the founders of the Gamalakhe Community Development Foundation which was established in 1992.
“Back then this foundation was known as Gamalakhe Youth for Community Development and in 1994 it was renamed to Gamalakhe Youth Development Forum. In 2015 it was registered with the Department of Social Development as a non-profit organisation.”
Malanda was also the first regional secretary of uMkhonto weSizwe Military Veterans’ Association in the Lower South Coast Region after 1994.
Mzotho said Malanda’s name will remain in a heritage hall of unsung heroes as a highly disciplined combatant, a commissar, and a selfless community leader who sacrificed to the end for liberation.
“History will remember his name and his contributions to our struggles. He will be celebrated by true and great revolutionaries whose pursuits are not about individualism nor popularity, but the cause to advance the true liberation of our people. He served us well and with dignity as a commander, some of us were young, but his presence never intimidated us, instead, he gave us confidence and inspiration to participate in some underground activities without questioning our abilities.
May his revolutionary spirit live forever,” said Mzotho.
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