ANC Eastern Cape statement on the passing of Cde Sipho Hina

It is with deep sadness that the ANC in the province sends its sincere condolences to the Hina family for the loss of their beloved son and ANC veteran Sipho Fielden Hina. Hina who met his untimely death at his home in New Brighton in Nelson Mandela Metro on Thursday, 13 October 2016 was the Provincial Executive of the ANC Veterans League.

Described as the disciplined and loyal member of the ANC Cde Hina was born in Ntselamanzi at Alice in September 1939. Cde Hina joined ANCYL in 1956 at the age of 17 years when he was schooling at Lovedale High School. In 158 he relocated to Nelson Mandela Metro where he joined the New Brighton Branch and nominated as the ANCYL Treasurer. He occupied this position until the ANC was banned in 1960. In 1962 he joined Umkhonto Wesizwe and worked underground as an operative of the MK.

Two years later in 1964 Cde Hina was arrested under the General Law Amendment Act and was detained in North End Prison formerly known as Rooi- Hell. He was charged under the suppression of Communism Act and stood trial with 70 other comrades and Graaf-Reinet Regional Court. Eventually he was sentenced to four years of imprisonment in Robben Island.

In his release he was served with a banning order of three years timeously detained under various Apartheid Laws because of his activities underground as a comrade and an underground operator of MK.

In May 1983 he was detained with other comrades and charged with terrorism, sedition and sabotage for working underground organizing for MK. Later he was convicted for a period of 14 years of imprisonment for treason.

The loss of Hina’s life is not only a loss to his wife, children, siblings, broader family, people of the province and of this country as he would always be remembered for his sharp political acumen.

In mourning the demise of this ANC veteran all ANC flags in the province are expected to be flown at half-mast in honour of this great giant who has laid down his entire life for the liberation of our country. He died at the age of 79 after a long illness.

The ANC Provincial Secretary Oscar Mabuyane together with the Regional leadership are scheduled to lead the delegation that is expected to visit the family of Cde Hani later today.

NB: This statement must be attributed to the ANC Provincial Secretary Oscar Mabuyane.

For more information please contact

ANC Eastern Cape Acting Communications

Officer Judy Ngoloyi on 073 117 6194.

Email: judy.ngoloyi@gmail.com