By More Matshediso
Pretoria- It’s official. The Chris Hani memorial site in Boksburg has been declared a National Heritage site with President Jacob Zuma on Friday saying it will teach generations of South Africans about the late Communist Party leader’s legacy.
The Chris Hani Heritage Site was launched during the 22nd commemoration of his passing held at Thomas Nkobi Memorial Park in Bocksburg. He was assassinated in 1993, just a year before South Africa’s first democratic elections in April of 1994. President Zuma said Hani dedicated his life to the struggle for freedom, equality, justice, human dignity and a better life for all the people of South Africa.
He called on South Africans to double their efforts to build reconciliation, unity and social cohesion amongst all citizens.
“In memory of Chris Hani, let us continue working hard to deepen and consolidate democracy in our country, and also deepen the extension of services to all especially the poor and the working class.
“Unlike 22 years ago on this day when Comrade Chris was brutally assassinated by those who sought to delay our advance towards a democratic order, we have converged here no longer to mourn his death but on the contrary, to celebrate his life,” said President Zuma. He said the legacy and spirit of Hani will live on for generations.
Building a new inclusive heritage
President Zuma said government was embarking on an on-going programme of building a new inclusive heritage for the country. This includes identifying historic sites, individuals and organisations that have made outstanding contributions to the liberation struggle and history, and to the development of cultural values of South Africans.
“The identified sites are being upgraded and declared National Heritage sites and are maintained by the State, just like the Chris Hani Heritage Site that we have officially launched today,” said President Zuma. He said through the upgrading and declaration of these historic sites, government will ensure a more representative and inclusive South African history and heritage.
“More importantly, this will also contribute towards shared values and a common national identity in the country.” In many South African cities, street names are being changed to acknowledge the selfless freedom fighters who sacrificed life’s comforts so South Africa could be free. President Zuma noted that airports, roads, hospitals that have been renamed after Braam Fischer, Oliver Tambo, Albertina and Walter Sisulu.
“We have hospitals that are named after Steve Biko, Chris Hani, Charlotte Maxeke, Helen Joseph and many other sites that are named after other heroes and heroines of our struggle.
“We have also created new monuments and walls of remembrance such as the Steve Biko Heritage centre in Ginsberg, Eastern Cape and the Ncome Museum commemorating the Battle of Blood River fought between amaZulu and the Afrikaners. Freedom Park Museum phase 2 has also been opened in Pretoria,” said President Zuma. -SAnews.gov.za
