Activist Charm Govender dies
THE passing of anti-apartheid activist Charm Govender, who died yesterday is a blow to the ANC and the wider democratic movement. This is the view of the ANC, Govender’s friends, colleagues and Struggle leaders.
Govender, 70, was born in Durban and active in the Natal Indian Congress, the United Democratic Front (UDF), and the ANC underground.
He was described as a student activist at the then University of Durban Westville, a hard worker and true stalwart who never sought position or glory.
ANC KwaZulu-Natal spokesperson Nhlakanipho Ntombela said the party had learnt with shock of the death of the seasoned cadre husband of Scopa chairperson Maggie Govender. “He served the organisation diligently. Our condolences to the family.”
ANC national spokesperson Pule Mabe said: “Death has robbed the ANC and the broader democratic movement of a dedicated and selfless cadre.
“Comrade Govender will be remembered for his deep intellect and revolutionary zeal. He was part of the brave and fearless generation that was prepared to lay down their lives in pursuit of freedom and justice,” Mabe said, adding that Govender was a loyal and disciplined combatant of uMkhonto weSizwe. The ANC conveys its heartfelt condolences to Comrade Maggie Govender, her family, friends and the mass democratic movement.“
Mo Shaik, former head of foreign intelligence, said he knew Govender in student politics in the late 1970s and as a member of the underground unit.
“He specialised in intelligence. He was a remarkable comrade, very humble and quiet. He never sought fame or glory. He did the hard work in the background. Condolences to Maggie and the sons. Hamba kahle, comrade.”
Ebrahim Ebrahim, a Struggle veteran, said Govender was disciplined and comrades respected him, in particular in Chatsworth, where he was much engaged in community work. “He was an outstanding cadre who was not after any position or recognition. He was humble and worked hard for the upliftment of his people.”