Tributes to ‘Uncle Ben’

Gcina Ntsaluba

Tributes have poured in for former anti-apartheid activist and SA MP Ben Turok, who died early yesterday.

His son, Ivan Turok, confirmed “Uncle Ben’s” death in a statement.

“The Turok family are very sad to announce the passing of Ben Turok, their much-loved husband, father, uncle, grandfather and great grandfather ... aged 92.

“He was always outspoken and dedicated his whole life to fighting for freedom, equality and social justice in South Africa. He was a loyal, lifetime member of the ANC, but retained an independent perspective throughout.”

The family asked for Turok’s death to be marked by a private ceremony rather than anything official or formal in view of the present predicament facing the country.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said Turok had been the only surviving member of the original underground leadership of the South African Communist Party.

He 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.

Ramaphosa said: “I am deeply saddened by the loss of an outstanding yet humble patriot of our nation. Professor Turok made enormous personal sacrifices, which helped us attain our freedom.”

Turok was a democrat and servant to the SA people, a man who stood up to injustice, corruption and the abuse of public office “during our struggle and into the democratic dispensation”, he said.

ANC Chief whip in parliament Pemmy Majodina said Turok’s political contributions were beyond measure and he would be remembered for his dedication and sacrifices fighting against apartheid.

“As the ANC we are deeply saddened by the passing of Uncle Ben, as we fondly called him. 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 by far beyond any measure,” said Majodina.

Turok was an economics professor and served as an MP from 1995 to 2014, as chair of the portfolio committee on ethics and members’ interests.