Revolution incomplete without education

‘STUDENT politics should not only serve as a platform for you to learn about revolution; you must also arm yourself with knowledge and skills needed in the workplace.’

That was the main message of the ANC KZN Provincial Chairperson Sihle Zikalala, when addressing students at the University of Zululand during the Khulekani Mhlongo Memorial Lecturer, held last week.

Speaking to a packed UniZulu Chapel, Zikalala said students politics should sharpen and enable the youth to contribute meaningfully to nation building.

‘There are those of you who come and leave universities with certificates and degrees only. That is not enough. You must leave here with both the knowledge and qualifications,’ he said.

Khulekani Mhlongo was a UniZulu student activist, who died in 1993 during the confrontation between the students and amabutho, in what was dubbed the Ngoye Massacre.

At the time Mhlongo was both the Regional Deputy Secretary of the ANC and SRC President at UniZulu.

Zikalala said Mhlongo understood that liberation needed schooled cadres, people who were advanced academically.

‘He managed to balance both his political struggle and his education.

‘We are praising him today so as to inspire youth activism in pursuit of a revolution. A revolution is incomplete without education.

‘We must do away with a culture of having students who are part of the SRC, merely to prolong their term of office.

‘We must not position ourselves to become leaders of the SRC so as to enrich ourselves.

‘We must strive to emulate the life of Khulekani Mhlongo who was an organiser, never reluctant to take on any tasks given to him.

‘Most importantly Mhlongo was a formidable debater, who was always willing to engage openly,’ said Zikalala.

Leadership void

‘Today we don’t have such leaders. People struggle for the person, instead of struggling for ideas in pursuit of a revolution.’

Zikalala said the ANC had a duty to erect a tombstone for Mhlongo, because he was one of those leaders who paved way for ‘our freedom’.

‘Contesting who becomes the SRC President or the Councillor of a local municipality is not our ultimate vision; ours is to unite and deliver.’

Zikalala, affectionately known as ‘Khuzeni’ also heaped praise at UniZulu students for their handling of the #Fess Must Must Fall campaign.

‘I also wish to commend you as students across South Africa for closing space on opposition parties who wanted to hijack this revolution of the fees hike. You did very well by rejecting them,’ he said.

The lecturer was attended by ANC Regional Leadership led by Chairperson Nonhle Mkhulisi, the family of Khulekani Mhlongo and thousands of Sasco students.