Johannesburg – The widow of late SACP secretary-general Chris Hani has lauded President Jacob Zuma for being a brother and father to her children at the worst the of her life.
In what was undoubtedly a victory for the president who received cheers and massive support following anti-Zuma marches against him last week, Dimpho Hani on Sunday thanked Zuma for being a confidant and helping her when her youngest daughter battled cocaine addiction.
"I was able to go through this long journey because comrade Zuma became a brother to me and father to my child. He has been a pillar," Hani said.
She added: "I'm not trying get votes but let me tell you something, he was the only last ANC leader to see Chris before his died. Therefore it was easy for me to go to him and tell him my problems with my daughter's addiction. President Zuma, my wish to you is that may God bless you."
With these words Hani received a resounding applause from SACP and ANC members who attended the 24th anniversary of the commemoration of her husband's assassination. Hani was gunned down outside his Dawn Park home on April 10, 1993.
Speaking in at the Thobas Nkobi Memorial Park.
Speaking of her husband she added she refused to be part of any factionalism within the ANC and disregarded any questions of what Hani would say on the current state of policies in the country.
Picture: Noni Mokati/The Star
Meanwhile Zuma said described Hani as a loyal an disciplined cadre of the ANC.
He said Hani did not shy away from speaking his mind and was respected by all at the end of the day.
He also added that through his sacrifice Hani sought to fight for transformation and the emancipation of black people.
As Zuma concluded his speech and walked off stage, tripartite alliance supporters, sang at the top of their voices, showing clear support for the President. They drowned out the MC.
While some were lauded, some who had spoken up against Zuma such as SACP 2nd general-secretary Solly Mapila received a hostile reception.
#ChrisHani Maphatsoe: "We're not going to allow regime change through undemocratic means. Zuma will be President until 2019" @AfriNewsAgency pic.twitter.com/A7im3a86KV
— Sphelele (@SpheDludla) April 10, 2017
Mapila was booed and heckled.
Those present included MKMVA national chairman Kebby Maphatsoe, Minister Corprate and Traditinal Affairs Minister Des Van Rooyen and Ekurhuleni mayor Mzwandile Masina.
Dali Tambo, the son of late ANC leader Oliver Tambo was also present. In his January 8 statement, President Jacob Zuma declared 2017 as the year of OR Tambo.