Ramaphosa lauds ‘principled’ Turok

ANC said his political contribution was far beyond measure

President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the late Ben Turok as a principled freedom fighter who was dedicated to nonracialism.

Turok died on Monday morning at the age of 92.

Ramaphosa sent his condolences to Turok’s family, describing the late professor as “the only surviving member of the original underground leadership of the South African Communist Party”.

“Professor Turok made enormous personal sacrifices which helped us attain our freedom.

“He was a principled freedom fighter, dedicated to nonracialism and the unity of our nation and of our liberation movement. He was a true democrat and servant of our people who stood up to injustice, corruption and the abuse of public office both during our struggle and into the democratic dispensation,” Ramaphosa said.

“Personally and politically, Professor Turok conducted himself strictly in accordance with the values of our democratic constitution and made invaluable contributions to debates on questions of national importance. He leaves a big void and an equally formidable legacy. He will be greatly missed.”

Turok was arrested in 1962 under the Explosives Act and sentenced to three years’ imprisonment in Pretoria before being placed under house arrest. He fled SA without his family and spent two decades in exile as a guest of several African states.

An outspoken economics professor, Turok served as an MP from 1995-2014, distinguishing himself as chair of the portfolio committee on ethics and members’ interests, where he was respected for his role in the work the committee did in holding MPs to account.

In a short statement, Turok’s family confirmed his death and also revealed he had not wanted an official funeral.

“He asked for his death to be marked by a private ceremony, rather than anything official or formal, in view of the present predicament facing the country. “His wisdom and counsel will be sorely missed,” the family said.

The ANC expressed its sadness at the death of its longserving former ANC MP.

“As the ANC, we are deeply saddened by the passing of Uncle Ben, as we fondly called him,” read a statement issued by the office of chief whip, Pemmy Majodina.

She said Turok had died at a crucial time.

“Veterans of our glorious movement are leaving us at a critical time, when organisational unity and renewal needs leaders of their calibre and political wisdom in rebuilding our movement.

“His immense political contribution is far beyond any measure,” Majodina said.

Turok was one of the contributors to the Freedom Charter, and he always spoke about how June 26 was a double celebration for him his birthday and also the date on which the charter was adopted in 1955.