Turok praised for stance on corruption
THE late ANC veteran Ben Turok who died at the age of 92 in December has been hailed as an outspoken person who didn’t shy away from raising his voice against corruption.
This was among a host of tributes during the memorial service of Turok held at Community House, Salt River, on Saturday. Among those attending were former president Kgalema Motlanthe and former public protector Thuli Madonsela.
Struggle Veterans Action Committee member Igshaan Amlay said: “I’m deeply saddened by the loss of one of the few principled activists of our time. I had the pleasure of meeting with him where we shared views on various issues concerning our country.
“He was outspoken when it came to corruption and all other pertinent issues our country faced. We often agreed that political education should have been made compulsory in schools from as early as 1994 in order to groom future leaders.”
Motlanthe commended Turok for his pivotal role in the struggle against apartheid and his rigid stance against corruption and unethical leadership.
The activist was a trade union organiser, an economics professor and former MP. He served as from 1994 to 2014, co-chairing the Joint Ethics Committee on Members’ Interests.
Madonsela said Turok’s leadership was goal-driven and committed to serving, emphasising: “It’s time to continue from where he left”.
At the time of his death, ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule said: “Throughout his life, Comrade Turok was unwavering, vocal and unambiguous in his commitment to the freedom of the people of South Africa.”