Clarion call to root out corruption
If you’re rotten you can’t lead, say VIPs at funeral of activist Sibeko
WITH tears streaming down his face, senior ANC leader Thulas Nxesi pleaded with party members to root out corruption. He was speaking at late struggle activist, Archie Sibeko’s funeral in Alice at the weekend. He said the governing party needed committed and credible leaders .
Nxesi and ANC Veterans League president Snuki Zikalala came out guns blazing at the service in Kwezana Village, saying elected leaders must at all times be held to account.
“We need honest, committed and credible leaders. [if you are rotten] you can’t lead. When we talk of corrupt leaders, we need not stutter,” Nxesi said, trying to hold back tears. Nxesi also called on the tripartite alliance to rally behind ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa.
“Ramaphosa needs support from us, not attacks. Leaders of Cosatu, let’s put our egos aside; veterans, is this the ANC you fought for? What is going on in our movement? I want to leave you with those words,” said Nxesi.
Sibeko, who was affectionately known as Zola “ZZ” Zembe in the struggle days, died in London aged 90. He was cremated in the UK and his remains were returned to the country late last week.
“We need to hold our leaders to account and we will not accept mediocrity and corruption,” said Zikalala. Among those attending the provincial state funeral were Eastern Cape premier Phumulo Masualle, ANC national chairman Gwede Mantashe, ANC provincial chairman Oscar Mabuyane, SA Federation of Trade Unions general-secretary Zwelinzima Vavi, and Zikalala’s deputy Phil Norushe.
Sibeko is the recipient of the Order of Luthuli in Silver.
“Today we are burying two of our struggle leaders – Zola Skweyiya up in Tshwane and Zola Zembe here in Alice. ‘ZZ’ was a brave man who was a champion in fighting for the liberation of South Africa,” said Zikalala.
Zikalala first met Sibeko in Botswana in the 1970s just before the 1976 Soweto uprisings.
“We had to secure safe houses in Gaborone for the youth and ‘ZZ’ would give guidance to the young militants and tell them that education was first and military training was to follow,” said Zikalala.
Mantashe said the life needed to be celebrated.
“I’ve been sent by the ANC to convey the message as we are in the period of [Send Me]. Sibeko made his choices by giving up his youth and his own freedom to of Sibeko fight for the freedom of others.
“If the ANC is united the country will be better but if the ANC is divided, the country will be in trouble,” said Mantashe.
Leader of AmaBhele aseTyume nation, Chief Justice Jongilizwe Thandathu Mabandla said Sibeko was their hero. Mabandla reminded politicians and government officials of some of the young men who had gone and died in exile but are yet to be brought home.
“Some have gone to Angola and they have not come back home. Politicians should consult us as these are our children.
“We have a number [of anti-apartheid activists] who never came home. Come to us as we will tell you, please bring them home,” said Mabandla. —