Tribute paid to Mini and comrades
Families and friends of ANC veterans braved the cold wind in Nelson Mandela Bay on Tuesday to mark the 54th anniversary of Vuyisile Mini’s death at New Brighton’s Emlotheni Memorial Park.
ANC Veterans League and Women’s League members first gathered at the Papenkuils Cemetery, in Stanford Road, for a wreath-laying ceremony for Zinakile Mkaba, Wilson Khayingo and others who died in the 1982 Maseru massacre.
They then drove to Emlotheni for another wreath-laying ceremony before a brief ceremony at New Brighton’s Hoza Hall where they paid tribute to Mkaba, Mini and Khayingo.
Family friend and ANC Veterans League regional executive member Robert Tlou said it was important to reflect and remember how far SA had come.
Tlou, who grew up in Red Location, said he remembered how in 1952 black people were killed by white police over something as petty as a gallon [5l] of paint.
“While we were mourning, [the] Sharpeville [massacre] happened and in 1964 they [hanged] our brothers.
“I’m here to remind our people because we’re playing with our freedom,” Tlou said.
The veteran said black people were killed for fighting for their rights.
He urged people not to forget how far they had come.
He cautioned the ANC to return to its roots and restore the party’s dignity.
Bay ANC Veterans League chair Fezile Mavuso said they commemorated fallen heroes every year in memory of the role they played in the struggle.