A LIFE WELL LIVED:
Struggle icon Zondeni Veronica Sobukwe, also the widow of late president of the PAC Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe, was laid to rest in Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape yesterday. PAC factional battles came to the fore, but spokesperson Kenneth Mokgatlhe condemned the “disgraceful disruption” and described the disrupters as “hooligans purporting to represent the party”.
MAMA Zondeni Veronica Sobukwe, anti-apartheid activist and widow of late Struggle icon Robert Sobukwe, was buried at the weekend in GraaffReinet in the Eastern Cape.
Affectionately known as “Mother of Azania”, Mama Sobukwe died on August 15 at the Midland Hospital in GraaffReinet after spending three weeks there.
She was 91, and suffered a long-term illness.
Mama Sobukwe was supposed to have received an official State funeral, but it had to be withdrawn as proceedings turned chaotic.
Deputy President David Mabuza, who was expected to deliver an eulogy, was escorted from the venue by security personnel for his own safety
This after members of the PAC demanded to be part of the programme and to cover the coffin with their party’s flag.
PAC president Narius Moloto was prevented from entering the church where the funeral was being held.
PAC spokesperson Kenneth Mokgatlhe condemned the “disgraceful disruption” and described the disrupters as “hooligans purporting to represent the party”.
“What should have been a moment of quiet reflection and contemplation of one of the great pan-Africanists of our age turned into an unseemly squabble at the hands of a group of hooligans bussed in with the express purpose of disrupting the funeral,” said Moloto.
“Their behaviour was despicable and violated African norms and traditions.
“We condemn this outrageous insult to the Mother of Azania by these people who were clearly sent in to cause trouble and sow confusion among PAC members. They have brought shame upon themselves and the nation, and they have sullied the memory of Mama Sobukwe.
“I leave it up to the general public to make up their minds as to the motives of these hooligans.
“They seem to appear every time an election is around the corner, and their purpose is to sow confusion and discord… They have been expelled from the party, and their expulsion upheld by the courts,” he said.