African National Congress stalwart Raymond Mhlaba died satisfied, Deputy President Jacob Zuma said at the struggle veteran’s memorial service in Pretoria on Thursday evening.
”He died satisfied that we are on course and are still committed to meeting the minimum demands of our people as stated in the [Freedom] Charter,” Zuma said.
”He left us a legacy of struggle, dedication and commitment, and lessons in patriotism, unity and nation building, which we must nurture and protect,” Zuma said at Mhlaba’s memorial service at Pretoria’s St Alban’s Cathedral.
Mhlaba’s lifetime commitment to freedom, liberty and democracy was unquestionable.
”We pay homage to a man who served our country and people with distinction in many capacities. We are bidding farewell to a hero and veteran of our struggle.
”We are dipping our banners in honour of a soldier who comes from a generation of leaders who rose above their oppressors…”
Thursday’s service was attended by Mhlaba’s widow Dideka, several Cabinet ministers, MPs and diplomats. Mhlaba died at a Port Elizabeth hospital on Sunday.
Mhlaba, Nelson Mandela, Andrew Mlangeni, Walter Sisulu and many others served lengthy jail terms at Cape Town’s Robben Island for defying apartheid.
Meanwhile, residents of Port Elizabeth packed the New Brighton Centenary Hall to attend their city’s memorial service to Mhlaba, South African Broadcasting Corporation radio news reported.
Eastern Cape Premier Nosimo Balindlela, Cosatu’s Zwelinzima Vavi, and the ANC’s Sanki Mahanyele and Ahmed Kathrada attended the Port Elizabeth memorial service. – Sapa