‘Forgotten hero’ Kupusamy dies
FORMER political activist Les Kupusamy, who has been referred to as an unsung hero and foot soldier of the ANC, died on Sunday of a heart attack. The Moorton, Chatsworth, resident was 56.
Family friend Charlie Pillay said that despite the sacrifices Kupusamy had made for South Africa to attain democracy, he received no aid from the government.
“I was told that the same house they currently occupy in Moorton, Chatsworth, was used as an operational centre to print posters and handbills for the ANC that was underground (in) those years.
He added that Kupusamy might have been well known among ANC members in Chatsworth but to others, he was an unsung forgotten hero like other ANC footsoldiers.
His daughter, Lesleigh-Ann, said: “My dad dedicated his life to the ANC and in the last few months of his life the cause he fought for was forgotten and he had to stand on his own, a forgotten hero.”
Kupusamy is survived by his wife, Mercy, and five children. His funeral will take place on Saturday.
The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal expressed its condolences on the passing of Kupusamy, describing him as a “committed cadre of our movement”.
“He was active in the campaign against the apartheid tri-cameral system and in the mass democratic movement. We were saddened to receive news of his illness and we were shocked to hear about his passing,” said ANC provincial secretary Super Zuma.
“The ANC has also noted the concern of cadre Les’s family. However, it is incorrect that the ANC did not help cadre Les. Cadre Les’s family and loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
“He was among the finest in our activist ranks in Chatsworth and we record with pride his contribution to the struggle for South African freedom.”