Struggle veteran never stopped working
Born: November 11 1937 Died: November 25 Funeral: Tomorrow at the Hakamela household in Jerome, Malamulele, from 6am Burial : Jerome Cemetery The death of ANC veteran Risimati John Hakamela has not only dealt a blow to his family but to the entire community of the Collins Chabane local municipality.
Hakamela died at his home in Jerome village on Sunday. He was 81.
He is revered widely as a liberation Struggle veteran who played various leadership roles in the ANC after its unbanning in the 1990s.
Hakamela started off by leading the branch now known as Justice Khosa – named after fellow ANC operative Justice Khosa, who is also late.
He led the branch with aplomb until 2005 when he quit due to old-age but remained a respected leader of the party and community.
“We used to consult him for advice and he was always a guiding light of the branch,” said current branch chairperson and ward councillor Always Baloyi.
Baloyi praised the departed veteran for being actively involved in community issues and projects.
Hakamela, despite his advanced age, also participated in the building of a local bridge, a project that was hugely praised by the local municipality.
“He also used to guide us on the constitution of the ANC as well as its principles,” Baloyi added.
Hakamela’s second-born son, Khazamula Richard Hakamela, said his father was a hard worker and also made a good name for the family in the area.
“He was a Muslim and once travelled to Saudi Arabia on a pilgrimage to Mecca,” Khazamula said.
He said his father was also very keen on agriculture.
“He implanted in us as his children the spirit of hard work and we will remember him for that.”
Long after his retirement, Hakamela sought to keep himself in the service of his people. He will be buried at his home village in Malamulele, Limpopo, tomorrow.
The local ANC structure has vowed to help his family to give the old comrade a dignified funeral.