/ 9 July 2008

Zuma: Nhlanhla left legacy of discipline for ANC

The memory of former minister of intelligence Joe Nhlanhla can inspire the African National Congress (ANC) when it is challenged by ill discipline, ANC president Jacob Zuma said on Wednesday.

”Comrade Joe believed in the unity of the ANC,” Zuma told people gathered to remember Nhlanhla at the Kempton Park city hall.

”He attached great importance to the unity of the ANC as a strong political centre. He worked tirelessly for the unity of this organisation and its alliance partners.

”Besides unity, he was also a strict disciplinarian, and expected all those around him to behave in a disciplined fashion as well.

”It is at this juncture that we need solid, committed and dedicated comrades like comrade Nhlanhla,” Zuma said.

Nhlanhla died at the age of 71 on July 1 in hospital after a long illness that saw him leave his position as minister of intelligence.

It is clear that there are lessons Nhlanhla has left behind for the ANC to learn, said ANC Women’s League president Angie Motshekga.

”He has left a monument to cadre discipline, building cadres who could lead not just the ANC, but the government.

”[He] never engaged in any negativity. He always engaged in activity that enhanced the ANC and its objectives,” she said.

”We must ensure that we don’t involve ourselves in activities that harm the ANC.”

The memorial was directed by Housing Minister Lindiwe Sisulu, who took over from Nhlanhla when he stepped down from the intelligence post.

Nhlanhla is survived by his wife, Mmabatho, his sister and a granddaughter, all of whom attended the proceedings.

He will be buried on Saturday. Sisulu said there will be a short prayer ceremony at the family’s home at 7am, after which they will proceed to the Walter Sisulu hall for the funeral service at 9am, going from there to the West Park cemetery. — Sapa