Young local heroes remembered
ANC Musa Dladla region honour fallen heroes who died during the struggle
TWO decades after student leader Eugene Gamelihle Mnguni was brutally stabbed and murdered during a violent political outbreak in eSikhaleni, this fallen hero was honoured on Tuesday.
Twenty-four years since his death, a tombstone was erected in his memory at his final resting place at eMacambini Reserve in eMatikulu as part of the Siyabakhumbula programme.
Mnguni was one of hundreds of high school pupils who tragically lost their lives during the outburst which swept through many townships in the early 90’s.
He was viciously stabbed on his way home from writing his exams at Dlamvuzo High School in October 1993 – a day after his birthday.
‘It’s a bitter-sweet moment for us but we are happy he is recognised after so many years. His death was a tragic time for our family, which left us scarred for life,’ said his brother, Raymond Zulu.
‘We had left the house together that morning, but it was the last time I saw my brother alive. Not a day goes by without me thinking of him,’
His aunt Promise Ntube told the Zululand Observer, the sad thing about his death was that his killer was never arrested.
‘We spent years hoping the murderer will be found, but we are happy to have had those few years with him. He was a loving soul who had potential to be anything in the world, she said.
‘He was loved by everyone, and was one of those people who always spread cheer in the family and shared jokes.’
The Siyabakhumbula Programme is headed by ANC Regional Chairperson Nonhle Mkhulisi with the aim to acknowledge the people who died during the country’s tragic time.
‘Siyabakhumbula was initiated by the late Regional Chairperson Cde Thulani Mashaba, to erect tombstones to their final resting place as a sign of respect.
‘The reason for this is to give respect to our fallen heroes and heroines and also to give back to the families since their loved ones died fighting for the struggle.’ said ANC Musa Dladla Region Secretary Tholi Gwala
According to Gwala, this programme will have two phases and the first phase will honour 145 beneficiaries.
The main event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 23 April at Bhekuzulu Hall at the University of Zululand .
ALSO READ: SHOCKING:eSikhaleni schoolyard bloodshed
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